The Arewa Youth Movement has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to select a Northern Christian running mate if he intends to contest—and win—the 2027 presidential election.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, April 29, the group, led by its National President, Ambassador Muhammed Sa’ad Aboki, emphasized the need for religious and regional inclusivity, citing the backlash from the Muslim-Muslim ticket used in 2023.
“Selecting a Christian running mate from the North would address the criticisms of religious imbalance and broaden Tinubu’s appeal, especially in the Middle Belt and other Christian-dominated areas of the North,” Sa’ad Aboki said.
The group argued that such a move would not only strengthen Tinubu’s political image but also signal unity and national balance, especially to Northern Christians who felt marginalized in the last electoral cycle.
In the 2023 presidential election, President Tinubu lost in critical areas such as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, and Plateau States, regions with large Northern Christian populations. The youth group believes that correcting that imbalance could be a “gesture of goodwill” and a strategic move toward securing a broad-based mandate in 2027.
They also acknowledged Tinubu’s strengths, noting that his ability to command loyalty and manage alliances makes him a strong contender—one who must now build an even broader coalition to win reelection.
“A Northern Christian VP would send a strong message of unity, inclusiveness, and sensitivity to Nigeria’s diverse religious makeup,” the group concluded.
