Fresh political manoeuvring is unfolding around President Bola Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid, with new indications that the composition of his 2027 presidential ticket is under intense scrutiny.
According to Daily Sun, at the centre of the debate is Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose place on the ticket is reportedly being reassessed amid internal party consultations and external diplomatic considerations.
Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that influential interests, particularly from the United States, are advocating a return to a Muslim-Christian ticket, citing the need for broader national balance and international perception.
A party insider said the discussion has moved beyond speculation.
“The argument being pushed is that religious balance could calm political tensions and strengthen Nigeria’s global standing ahead of 2027,” the source said.
Despite this pressure, many governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress are said to favour continuity, arguing that dropping Shettima could unsettle the party’s internal cohesion.
However, competing views within Tinubu’s political circle suggest that a strategic change may be unavoidable.
As a result, several prominent Christian figures are now being mentioned as possible replacements.
Among those reportedly under consideration is the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, whose name has generated strong reactions across political and religious spaces.
Also mentioned are former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and the Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa.
A source close to the discussions said each name reflects a different political calculation.
“Kukah represents moral authority and national dialogue, Dogara brings legislative experience, while Musa offers a security-based profile,” the source noted.
Before the reported international push for religious balancing, there were also talks of retaining a Muslim running mate, with former Zamfara State governor Abdulaziz Yari and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu said to have been quietly mentioned.
The new direction appears to have altered that thinking, effectively narrowing the focus to a Muslim-Christian pairing for 2027.
Meanwhile, efforts are reportedly underway to manage the political future of Shettima should he be dropped.
Sources said options being explored include a potential diplomatic role after 2027 and long-term support for a future presidential ambition.
That possibility, however, faces complications, as some foreign stakeholders are also said to favour a shift of presidential power to the South-East after Tinubu’s tenure, as part of a broader inclusion agenda.
Uncertainty also surrounds the likelihood of Bishop Kukah accepting a political role, given his clerical status and the need for Vatican approval.
Nevertheless, political analysts argue that growing international interest in Nigeria’s electoral direction reflects wider concerns about representation, stability, and national cohesion as the country edges closer to the 2027 polls.