The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has stated that Nigerians are more interested in electing a competent and just leader than backing a presidential ticket based solely on religious considerations.
Adebayo Rejects the Muslim-Muslim Ticket Narrative
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday, Adebayo said the idea of a Muslim‑Muslim ticket holds no weight among voters. He recalled being asked the same question four years ago while meeting with Ulamas in Kano and told them that hoping for a Muslim‑Muslim ticket in President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima would be futile.
Tinubu‑Shettima Administration Described as a “Zero‑Zero” Ticket
Adebayo characterised the current administration as a “zero‑zero ticket,” arguing that it has failed to deliver the justice Nigerians expect. He emphasized that, from an Islamic perspective, a leader’s religious identity is secondary to their commitment to fairness and good governance.
Justice Over Religion in Islamic Governance
He explained that Muslims engage in politics primarily to promote a just and orderly society, not merely to install co‑religionists. Citing Islamic jurisprudence, Adebayo noted that public office should be entrusted to the most qualified and committed individuals, not allocated on the basis of favouritism, bias, or anticipated personal gain.
El‑Rufai Example and the Irony of Religious Alignment
The SDP candidate pointed to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El‑Rufai, a vocal supporter of the same‑faith ticket ahead of the 2023 election, as evidence that religious alignment does not guarantee justice. Adebayo highlighted the irony that El‑Rufai, who once championed the Muslim‑Muslim ticket, now finds himself and his family crying for justice.
Future Outlook: No Support for Religion‑Based Ticket in 2027
Adebayo concluded that Nigerians are unlikely to back another presidential ticket built mainly around religious sentiment in 2027. He asserted that there is currently no support for a Muslim‑Muslim ticket anywhere and accused its proponents of attempting to defraud the populace by exploiting religious feelings.
He added that the electorate’s primary concerns now revolve around insecurity, economic hardship, and access to justice — issues that outweigh the religious composition of any presidential ticket.
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