2027: Christian Groups Petition Trump, US Congress Over APC’s Muslim-Muslim Ticket

A coalition of Christian and human rights organisations under the umbrella of the Christian Youth Alliance of Nigeria (CYAN) has petitioned United States President Donald Trump, the US Congress and several diplomatic missions over the proposed retention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket for the 2027 general election.

The coalition expressed concerns that the arrangement could further heighten religious tensions and deepen political exclusion, particularly among Christian communities in Northern Nigeria.

In the petition, signed by its leaders and made available to journalists in Jos, Plateau State, the group urged the international community to pay closer attention to what it described as the worsening security situation affecting Christians in different parts of the country.

According to CYAN, the continuation of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as a Muslim-Muslim ticket would depart from Nigeria’s longstanding political tradition of balancing the country’s highest offices along religious lines.

The coalition argued that the political leadership of a diverse country like Nigeria should reflect fairness, inclusion and equal representation for all religious groups.

CYAN also criticised the Federal Government’s policy of rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant terrorists, insisting that individuals involved in acts of terrorism should be prosecuted instead of benefiting from reintegration programmes.

The group urged the United States government to retain Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), adding that any future review of the country’s status should depend on independently verified improvements in the protection of Christian communities.

The petition further called for transparent investigations into attacks on Christian communities in Plateau, Benue and other affected states, while requesting sustained humanitarian support for displaced victims of violence.

In addition, the coalition asked the US authorities to investigate what it described as alleged foreign influence in Nigeria’s political process, claiming that some Arab countries could be supporting efforts to retain the Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

CYAN maintained that Nigeria’s religious diversity should be respected in the country’s political leadership and urged both domestic and international stakeholders to promote justice, fairness and equal opportunities for all citizens regardless of their religious affiliation.

The coalition said its appeal was aimed at encouraging greater international engagement in protecting religious freedom, strengthening democratic values and ensuring peaceful coexistence in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.