Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed why he turned down an offer for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as his running mate during an earlier presidential contest, saying he was opposed to the idea of presenting a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Atiku made the disclosure while recounting past political events and his relationship with Tinubu, explaining the circumstances surrounding discussions about the possibility of having the former Lagos State governor on his presidential ticket.
According to Atiku, Tinubu sent a delegation of elders to approach him over the possibility of becoming his running mate. However, Atiku said he rejected the proposal because he believed that a presidential ticket comprising two Muslims would not have been appropriate at the time.
The former vice president explained that religious balancing was an important consideration in Nigeria’s political environment, particularly given the country’s religious diversity.
He said his decision was based on his assessment of what would be politically acceptable and beneficial to the country at the time.
Atiku’s account offers a fresh perspective on the political relationship between himself and Tinubu, two prominent figures who have remained influential in Nigeria’s political landscape for decades.
Following the rejection of the proposed arrangement, political differences reportedly widened between the two politicians, with Tinubu eventually supporting another political direction.
Atiku also recalled events surrounding the 2014 political realignment that preceded the 2015 general elections.
He said he eventually supported Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential ambition after receiving an understanding concerning the composition of the proposed presidential ticket.
According to Atiku, the issue of a Muslim-Muslim ticket was a major consideration in his political decisions during that period.
The former vice president’s revelation has attracted attention because of the current political relationship between him and Tinubu.
Tinubu is currently the President of Nigeria, while Atiku remains an influential opposition politician and a prominent figure in the political calculations ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The two politicians have previously contested presidential elections on different platforms and have been involved in several major political realignments.
Atiku’s latest comments also come amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and politicians already working to build alliances and strengthen their support bases.
The question of religious balance in presidential tickets has remained a significant issue in Nigeria’s political discourse.
The debate became particularly prominent during the 2023 presidential election when Tinubu selected Kashim Shettima, another Muslim, as his running mate.
The decision generated criticism from some political and religious groups, although the Tinubu-Shettima ticket proceeded to victory at the election.
Atiku’s explanation therefore provides additional context to his earlier political position on religious balancing and presidential tickets.
The former vice president has continued to position himself as a major opposition figure as political discussions surrounding the 2027 election intensify.
His comments are likely to generate further debate among political stakeholders, particularly as politicians revisit past alliances and disagreements while preparing for the next presidential contest.
The revelation also highlights how political calculations, religious considerations and personal relationships have influenced major decisions within Nigeria’s political history.
As the 2027 election approaches, attention will remain focused on the alliances and political strategies being developed by the country’s major political figures.
