Opposition Party Chieftains Clash Over APC’s Muslim-Muslim Ticket
Political elites and socio-cultural groups have split over the decision of the All Progressives Congress to retain its Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2027 presidential election. Critics call the arrangement a political trick, while supporters defend it as a realistic strategy. The dispute highlights the deep religious divisions that continue to shape the country’s political discussions ahead of the next general election.
The Social Democratic Party presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, described the ruling party’s same-faith formula as a zero-zero ticket. Speaking on Arise Television, he argued that the arrangement has failed to deliver justice or security to either Christians or Muslims. He stated that political leadership should depend on competence and equity rather than the exploitation of religious sentiments.
Socio-cultural group Afenifere urged voters to look beyond religious identity. The group’s National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, stated that the pan-Yoruba organisation focuses entirely on good governance and constitutional democracy. He observed that historical figures like Lateef Jakande governed successfully based on merit, not faith. He advised the public to focus on economic opportunities and security.
Supporters of the ticket have dismissed the criticism as an outdated debate. Comrade Abayomi Arabambi, a factional leader of the Labour Party, argued that competence must override religious considerations in governance. He pointed out that insecurity and poverty affect Nigerians of all beliefs. He added that the debate has lost its relevance after three years of the current administration.
Other political leaders remain deeply unconvinced by the ruling party’s performance under this structure. Former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Bakita Bello, stated that the ruling party has failed to satisfy the aspirations of ordinary citizens. He suggested that political parties must show a genuine commitment to public welfare rather than rely on religious calculations.
The division shows how difficult it remains for political parties to balance Nigeria’s complex religious demographics. The ruling party continues to rely on its electoral strategy, while the opposition aims to exploit the public’s economic frustration.