The Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has warned that the All Progressives Congress risks undermining its chances in the 2027 general election if it drops a Northern Muslim from President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ticket.

Musawa made the remarks during a recent episode of Mic On Show with journalist Seun Okinbaloye, amid growing speculation that the ruling party may consider altering the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted in the 2023 presidential election.

According to the minister, removing Shettima or replacing him with a non-Northern Muslim running mate would pose a serious political challenge for the APC, particularly in the core northern states.

“If there is no Hausa, Fulani or Kanuri Muslim on that ticket, it creates a hurdle. That is the reality of the way people think,” Musawa said.

She stressed that politics in Northern Nigeria is deeply rooted and highly sophisticated, warning that decisions taken without proper understanding of the region could backfire.

“The core North, states like Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara and Sokoto, understands politics at a very deep level. Politics there is a way of life. People wait every four years to line up and vote because that is where they feel they have influence,” she said.

Musawa dismissed claims that the APC could easily reshuffle its presidential ticket without consequences, describing such assumptions as politically naive.

“I think if we toy with changing the construct of what we have now, it is a problem. People who suggest otherwise may not fully understand how politics works in the North,” she said.

Addressing concerns about growing opposition alliances ahead of 2027, Musawa said she does not see the current configuration of opposition forces unseating President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.

She described the opposition as fragmented, with several political figures competing for the same leadership position.

“You have an opposition that is overcrowded. Every single member is vying for the same spot, and that alone creates a recipe for political failure,” Musawa said.

While acknowledging that opposition figures remain active and influential, she insisted that the APC remains confident of retaining power.

“We are not taking anybody lightly. But as the opposition is emerging now, I do not see how they can unseat President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima,” she said.

Musawa added that although the APC welcomes a strong opposition in the interest of democratic growth, the ruling party is focused on consolidating its political base ahead of the next election.

“It is good for democracy to have opposition. Nobody wants a one-party state. But we are confident in our political direction,” she said. (Text, excluding headline: Sunday PUNCH)