2027: Christian Groups Take Muslim-Muslim Ticket Protest to Trump, US Congress
A coalition of Christian and human rights organisations has taken its opposition to the proposed retention of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket for the 2027 election to the United States.
The coalition petitioned US President Donald Trump, the US Congress and diplomatic missions, urging the international community to pay closer attention to what it described as growing concerns over religious representation and the security of Christian communities in Nigeria.
Operating under the umbrella of the Christian Youth Alliance of Nigeria (CYAN), the group warned that retaining the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket could deepen religious divisions and reinforce feelings of political exclusion among Christians, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
In a petition signed by its leadership and made available to journalists in Jos, Plateau State, the coalition appealed to the international community to closely monitor the security situation affecting Christian communities across the country.
According to the group, retaining President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima on a joint Muslim-Muslim ticket would further heighten concerns over religious balance in Nigeria’s political leadership.
CYAN argued that the 2023 presidential ticket marked a departure from Nigeria’s long-standing practice of reflecting the country’s religious diversity in its highest elective offices, a principle it said has historically promoted national inclusion.
The coalition also criticised the Federal Government’s policy of rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant terrorists, insisting that individuals linked to acts of terrorism should face prosecution rather than government-backed reintegration programmes.
It urged the United States to retain Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), arguing that any future review of the country’s status should depend on independently verified improvements in the protection of Christian communities.
The petition further called for transparent investigations into attacks on Christian communities in Plateau, Benue and other affected states, while appealing for sustained humanitarian assistance for victims displaced by violence.
In addition, the coalition requested an investigation into what it described as alleged foreign influence in Nigeria’s political process.
It claimed that some Arab countries may be supporting efforts to retain the Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 presidential election, although it did not provide evidence to support the allegation.
The group maintained that Nigeria’s religious diversity should be adequately reflected in the country’s political leadership and urged both Nigerian authorities and the international community to promote fairness, inclusion and equal protection for all citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
