As the 2027 General Election in Nigeria approaches, a patriotic Nigerian politician and former two-term lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sir Dr. Jude Chukwuemeka Omobowale Idimogu, has suggested that a Muslim/Christian presidential ticket for his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in 2027 would be a preferable option.
Honourable Idimogu, who represented the Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 2 in the Lagos Assembly, stated in a press release that while his party successfully employed a Muslim/Muslim ticket to win the presidency in 2023, it is now necessary to ensure political inclusion for the other major religious group, Christians, in order to secure victory in 2027.
He believes the President should discuss replacing his Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, with a strong Christian personality from the North to partner with him on the APC ticket in 2027.
He suggested that President Tinubu should have a frank discussion with Senator Shettima, even offering him the opportunity to suggest a successor.
Hon. Idimogu said, “I would like to advise my President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, regarding his running mate. This time, I advise and strongly suggest that for 2027, you should consider a very strong Christian as your Vice President.
“For me, I believe that a Muslim/Christian presidential ticket will succeed,” he stated.
He maintained that such a ticket would reassure both Muslims and Christians, given Nigeria’s secular status.
He said, “It will give Christians greater confidence in the 2027 Presidential Election.
“Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima has performed well and continues to do so; he is not a bad person or incapable. However, Nigeria is a secular state, and although our party used a Muslim/Muslim ticket to gain power in 2023, it was a difficult decision. I think the President should give this matter consideration – let us opt for a Muslim/Christian ticket for the next presidency,” the experienced politician stated.
He further added, “The President is a good team builder, so I would suggest and advise that he have a private conversation with Senator Shettima, his Vice President, to ensure he doesn’t feel disappointed or slighted. They should have a frank discussion, in the interest of the party. They could even give him the opportunity to nominate a strong Christian from the North who he believes has significant political weight.”
“It is also important that we secure global support from international bodies, countries, and even the US. We need their support.
“President, please consider this. I believe it is the best course of action.
“However, you know better, but I strongly suggest you think about it and involve Senator Shettima, your Vice President, so he can remain with the party, work for the party, and there will be no discord. In good faith, everything will work well. I believe so. I am hopeful our dear President will be re-elected in 2027; our party will win, Asiwaju is strong, and God will bless Nigeria,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Hon. Idimogu recently also urged the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said aligning with Tinubu would offer Obi a more effective path to achieve his political ambitions, noting that the President rewards loyalty and support, and values those who stand by him. He added that such an alliance could benefit Obi in the long term.
“Obi should reconsider his alliance with the ADC and work with President Tinubu. President Tinubu’s re-election is almost assured.”
He urged Obi to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, stating: “It is clear the ADC cannot unseat Tinubu.
“It is not possible to remove Tinubu in the current political climate. Obi should meet with Tinubu and reach a future agreement.
“Politics is about strategic alliances. The ADC cannot outperform Tinubu to win. The President appreciates loyalty and rewards supporters,” Idimogu said.
The prominent politician, who is the Deputy Apex Leader of Igbos in APC in Lagos, maintained that defeating Tinubu in 2027 would be extremely difficult for Obi, regardless of his political platform.
Idimogu urged Obi to prioritise strategic decisions over personal ambition, stressing that collaboration with the incumbent could open future opportunities.
Idimogu also encouraged Southern leaders to unite behind Tinubu’s second-term bid, warning that multiple candidates could split votes and weaken the region.
For him, zoning and political balance are vital to national stability, urging the South to consolidate power by supporting Tinubu.
Idimogu said, “The South must remain united. Supporting Tinubu will strengthen the region’s position and ensure continuity and stability,” he said.
The lawmaker added that Obi’s involvement in opposition coalition politics, including his reported alignment with the ADC, might not deliver electoral success.
Idimogu maintained that Obi should align with Tinubu to secure future political relevance rather than pursue a difficult electoral path.
Idimogu, while acknowledging Obi’s right to contest, advised Igbo leaders to consider long-term regional benefits and support Tinubu.
He added that while opposition is vital in a democracy, unity among Southern leaders should take precedence before the 2027 elections.
Idimogu expressed confidence that broad support for Tinubu across regions would secure victory and promote national cohesion.
Currently, Obi and other opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have adopted the ADC to challenge Tinubu in 2027.
