North Will Not Be Comfortable With Christian‑Christian Ticket — APC Chieftain!

North Will Not Be Comfortable With Christian‑Christian Ticket — APC Chieftain!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan (Editor‑in‑Chief) | Sele Media Africa Journalist

A senior chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Farouk Aliyu, has warned that the Northern region of Nigeria would be uncomfortable with a Christian‑Christian presidential ticket, arguing that such a combination risks alienating Muslim voters in the region.

Aliyu made the remarks on Friday during an interview on ARISE Television, where he reacted to ongoing debates over whether the ruling party should maintain or alter the Muslim‑Muslim ticket that produced President Bola Tinubu and Vice‑President Kashim Shettima in the 2023 elections.

Speaking on political strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections, the APC stalwart said that political parties generally consider demographic realities and electoral numbers when choosing their candidates. He emphasized that the North is predominantly Muslim, a factor he described as central to the party’s calculations. “In my opinion, the numbers will be looked at whether to field a Muslim or a Christian … whether in the northern part of the country there are more Muslims, it is absolutely without doubt,” Aliyu said.

Aliyu warned that replacing a Muslim candidate with a Christian in the North could create electoral challenges for the APC, cautioning that “if you drop a Muslim for a Christian in the North, you’ll have a problem.”

When directly questioned about the possibility of a Christian‑Christian ticket, Aliyu ruled it out, saying the North “will not be comfortable” with such a combination because it risks completely alienating Muslim voters in the region.

The comments by the APC chieftain come amid broader debates about religious balance in Nigeria’s politics, particularly following controversies over the 2023 Muslim‑Muslim ticket. While some observers have argued that the administration has made efforts at inclusivity, Aliyu maintained that fears of Christian marginalization have not manifested in government actions.

Political analysts note that religious identity and representation continue to influence electoral strategies in Nigeria, a country where religion remains deeply embedded in public life and voting patterns.

Citations

1. Vanguard Nigeria–
   https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/north-will-not-be-comfortable-with-christian-christian-ticket-apc-chieftain
2. Politics Nigeria –
   https://politicsnigeria.com/2026/01/30/1706
3. The Eagle Online –
   https://theeagleonline.com.ng/north-wont-be-comfortable-with-christian-christian-presidential-ticket-apc-chieftain

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

See author's posts