Farouk Aliyu, a senior leader in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has warned that replacing a Muslim vice-presidential candidate with a Christian in the North could create political challenges for the party. Speaking on ARISE Television, Aliyu said such a move might alienate Muslim voters in Northern Nigeria and make the APC unpopular in the region ahead of the 2027 elections.

Aliyu highlighted the importance of demographics in shaping electoral decisions, noting that any change to the Muslim–Muslim ticket introduced in 2023 would require careful consideration of Northern voting patterns. He stressed that voter numbers and regional representation are key factors in deciding whether to maintain or adjust the current ticket.

He argued that switching the Muslim VP for a Christian could spark backlash, even though the opposition to the Muslim–Muslim ticket in 2023 has largely eased. Aliyu emphasised that the current administration has not shown evidence of favouring Muslims over Christians, and Christians in the North are not being sidelined under President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Concluding, Aliyu maintained that the Muslim–Muslim ticket could still work for the APC, asserting that electoral calculations and harmony in Northern Nigeria should guide future decisions. He urged the party to weigh all factors carefully to avoid political complications.