As the political atmosphere in Nigeria begins to warm up ahead of the 2027 General Elections, unconfirmed reports and high-level speculations have emerged suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may be considering a strategic shift in his choice of running mate.
According to sources within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and various political insiders, names such as Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa and the revered Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, are being floated as potential “bridge-building” candidates.
While the Presidency has officially maintained that its focus is on governance rather than the next election, political analysts are highlighting four key names currently making the rounds in Abuja:
Ahmed Musa (The Youth & Sports Icon): Analysts suggest that picking the legendary footballer would be a move to capture the massive youth vote and leverage his immense popularity across the North.
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (The Moral Compass): Sources claim that considering Bishop Kukah would be a “healing” gesture aimed at balancing the controversial Same-Faith ticket of 2023 and appealing to the Christian community and civil society.
A Top Northern Governor: A traditional choice, likely from the North-West, to solidify the APC’s stronghold in that region.
A Technocrat from the Private Sector: Rumors suggest a high-ranking economic expert might be brought in to bolster the administration’s “Renewed Hope” economic agenda.
Strategic Rationale: Why These Names?
| Potential Candidate | Strategic Advantage | Possible Challenge |
| Ahmed Musa | Massive youth appeal; Non-partisan image. | Lack of political/administrative experience. |
| Bishop Kukah | Religious balance; International credibility. | Likely reluctance of the clergy to enter partisan politics. |
| Northern Governor | Proven voting bloc; Party loyalty. | Maintaining the “status quo” perception. |
The “Muslim-Muslim” Factor
A major driver behind these rumors is the ongoing debate regarding the Muslim-Muslim ticket used in the 2023 election. Insiders suggest that for 2027, the President’s strategists are weighing the benefits of a religious balance to appease southern Christians and northern minorities, which makes a figure like Bishop Kukah a fascinating, albeit unconventional, subject of speculation.
Official Response: “Governance First”
The Presidency has consistently downplayed 2027 talks. A senior aide to the President, speaking on condition of anonymity today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, stated:
“The President is currently preoccupied with stabilizing the economy and ensuring the security of Nigerians. 2027 is still far away. Any list currently circulating is the work of political enthusiasts and has no official backing from the Villa.”
Expert Opinion
Political analyst Dr. Chidi Amadi notes:
“The mention of Ahmed Musa and Bishop Kukah shows a desire for a ‘third-way’ approach—moving away from traditional career politicians to figures with moral or social capital. However, whether these individuals would even accept such a role is a different question entirely.”
