Kenneth Okonkwo, campaign spokesperson of African Democratic Congress, candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to reject same-faith presidential tickets in the 2027 elections, arguing that a Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket would undermine national unity and violate constitutional principles.
Okonkwo made the position known in a post on his X account on Saturday while reacting to renewed advocacy for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He described the same-faith arrangement as inappropriate for Nigeria, citing Sections 14(3), 42 and 15(2)(3)(d) of the 1999 Constitution in support of his argument.
His comments followed a recent position attributed to Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, who reportedly said he would again support a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2027.
Okonkwo argued that such an arrangement should be opposed by both Christians and Muslims in the interest of national cohesion and the stability of Nigeria’s democracy.
“The Same-Faith ticket is a no-no for Nigeria of today. It is against Sections 14(3), 42, and 15(2)(3)(d) of the 1999 Constitution,” he said.
He further urged members of both faiths to reject what he described as a political arrangement capable of deepening religious divisions in the country.
“With the recent comment by one Shiekh Sani Yahaya Jingir that he will repeat his support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2027 to sustain the unconstitutional dominance and enslavement of others by people of his own faith, it has become imperative for all faithful Muslims and Christians to reject the Same-Faith ticket for the overall unity and sustenance of our democracy and our country,” Okonkwo said.
He maintained that the presidency should reflect religious inclusiveness, arguing that the President and Vice-President constitute a partnership that should transcend religious differences.
“The presidency is an association between the President and the Vice, and every association must cut across religious barrier,” he said, citing Section 15(3)(d) of the Constitution.
Okonkwo added that both major religious groups should be represented in the presidency, insisting that neither Muslims nor Christians should be excluded from occupying either of the two top executive positions.
“Muslims and Christians must be accommodated in the presidency as the President or Vice,” he said.
His comments come amid renewed debate over the suitability of a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2027 presidential election, with proponents and opponents divided over its implications for religious representation, political inclusion and national unity.
