President Bola Tinubu's decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election has reignited debate over the APC's Muslim-Muslim ticket. The confirmation ended months of speculation that the President might replace Shettima with a Northern Christian.

The same-faith ticket, which generated controversy ahead of the 2023 election, has once again divided political stakeholders. While some opposition parties, including APGA and the YPP, have downplayed concerns and urged Nigerians to focus on competence, others insist that religious balance remains important in the country's leadership.

Before the announcement, several prominent Northern Christian figures, including Defence Minister Christopher Musa (retd.), Catholic Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, had been linked to the vice-presidential slot. The APC's decision has now put an end to the speculation ahead of the 2027 election.