The Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has cautioned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) risks significant political setbacks ahead of the 2027 general election if it removes a Northern Muslim from President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ticket.
Musawa made the assertion on a recent episode of Mic On Show with ace journalist, Seun Okinbaloye.
This is following speculations that the ruling party may consider altering the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted in the 2023 presidential election.
Musawa said Nigeria’s political structure, particularly the influence of the core North, makes it risky for the ruling party to alter the existing ticket arrangement ahead of the polls.
According to the minister, Northern Nigeria especially Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri Muslim communities plays a decisive role in the country’s political process due to deep political awareness and stronger participation in the voting process.
She stressed that political engagement in the region goes beyond formal education, noting that many residents actively follow political developments through radio and community discussions.
“The core North, states like Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara and Sokoto, understands politics at a very deep level. Politics there is a way of life. People wait every four years to line up and vote because that is where they feel they have influence,” she said.
She explained that elections in the North are treated as a civic duty and a means of influencing national direction, adding that families often turn out in large numbers to vote.
“People wait every four years to line up because they know that is where they can have an impact in positioning Nigeria,” she said.
Musawa cautioned that any attempt by the APC to change the current political balance on its presidential ticket could negatively affect voter perception in the region.
“If the APC toys with changing the construct of what we have now, it becomes a problem,” Musawa said. “Without a Hausa, Fulani or Kanuri Muslim on the ticket, it is a hurdle.”
Addressing concerns over emerging opposition alliances ahead of the 2027 general election, Musawa said she does not believe the current configuration of opposition forces has the capacity to unseat President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
She described the opposition as fragmented and lacking cohesion, noting that several prominent political figures are competing for the same leadership space.
According to her, the absence of a clear structure and unified direction weakens the opposition’s electoral prospects.
“You have an opposition that is overcrowded,” Musawa said. “Everyone is struggling for the same position, and that alone creates a recipe for political failure.”
While acknowledging that opposition figures remain active and politically relevant, the minister said the APC remains confident of retaining power in the 2027 election.
“We are not taking anyone lightly, but based on how the opposition is shaping up, I do not see how they can unseat President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima,” she said.
Musawa added that although the APC welcomes a strong opposition in the interest of democratic development, the ruling party is focused on consolidating its political base ahead of the next polls.