By Mohammed Abdulllahi Yamma
Again, a part of our public space has been inundated with another tale that serves as the habitual smoke screen to conceal ongoing manipulation by political actors who are ever ready to script inanities to railroad them into public office. This time, they have gone to the graveyard to resurrect long-dead issues, thinking that reactivating controversies that have been settled once and for all would give their inordinate ambition a head start.
In the latest episode of this wishful thinking, a group called Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah has been recruited to join those calling for the nomination of a northern Christian vice presidential candidate as running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the 2027 election. A clear contraption, so to speak.
It is saddening that while President Tinubu and his deputy, Senator Kashim Shettima, have long defenestrated fears of a Muslim-Muslim leadership through their open tolerance and appreciation of religious rights, obligations and rare stewardship never seen in the history of this country, some deceptive folks with very malicious and hostile agenda have began tossing the religious card around once more.
Our take on this is simple. To all groups calling for President Tinubu to drop Vice President Shettima for the 2027 election, we appreciate your interest in the country’s political landscape. However, we strongly believe that leadership should be based on tolerance, merit, competence, acceptability and vision, rather than religious or ethnic considerations.
President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima’s partnership has been a shining example of effective leadership, unity and cooperation. Their administration has promoted inclusivity, religious tolerance and understanding. Any attempt to sow division aimed at undermining their progress will backfire because Nigerians have long come to terms with the reality that good governance has nothing to do with religious or ethnic background.
The truth is that President Tinubu’s leadership style is characterised by actions rather than words. He leads by example, showing that he is a champion of unity. His approach to leadership – corroborated by Shettima’s loyalty – is not based on rhetoric but on tangible actions that promote understanding and reciprocity.
As the administration continues to deliver on its promises, it has become clear that good governance is what truly matters. The critics’ outcry over the Muslim-Muslim ticket has largely subsided, following President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians. This shift in focus towards good governance highlights the importance of effective leadership over religious affiliation.
Just a few days ago, while President Tinubu in an open endorsement of global religious tolerance and unity, was in Rome, Italy, to witness the inauguration of head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, in a historic move, his deputy, VP Shettima was back home flagging off inaugural flight of pilgrims to Mecca for this year’s Hajj in no other state than Imo State. Imo, a Christian-majority state, is located in the southeastern part of Nigeria, which is in no way a Muslim-majority region. How more can one describe the deep respect and tolerance these leaders have for religion and its faithful therein?
Those calling for President Tinubu to drop Vice President Shettima in the 2027 election are misguided and out of touch with reality. The Tinubu-Shettima partnership has been a resounding success, with the administration delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians and promoting religious and ethnic harmony.
The Vice President has been an integral part of the government’s decision-making process, bringing his expertise and experience to the table. His commitment to good governance and development has earned him widespread recognition and admiration.
Specifically, Senator Shettima’s supportive role to the President, characterised by humility, empathy and a willingness to listen, has endeared him to many Nigerians. Despite baseless criticisms and malicious attacks, the Vice President’s performance continues to shine, and his focus on delivering tangible benefits to citizens and promoting national unity and harmony has not been deterred.
Rather than speculating about the 2027 election, we should focus on supporting the administration’s efforts to build a more united and prosperous Nigeria. The sole responsibility to choose his running mate for the vice presidency in the 2027 general election remains President Tinubu’s personal choice, before the Nigerian people will ultimately decide who will lead the country in 2027. For now, President Tinubu and VP Shettima’s track record speaks for itself.
Let’s reject the politics of division and support leaders who promote unity, inclusivity and good governance. Nigeria is a country with immense diversity, and its leaders must prioritise the needs of all citizens, regardless of their religious and ethnic backgrounds. The Muslim-Muslim ticket has not hindered the administration’s ability to address the country’s pressing issues, and it is clear that good governance is the key to unlocking Nigeria’s potential.
We urge all Nigerians to join President Tinubu in promoting a culture of tolerance and understanding. Let’s focus on building a Nigeria that is inclusive, prosperous and just for all, rather than perpetuating divisive narratives.
• Yamma, national coordinator, Centre for Religious Tolerance and Societal Change, writes from Wudil, Kano State