It’s No Longer There — Wike Says Tinubu Has Neutralised Muslim-Muslim Ticket Debate

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Tinubu has been able to address the controversy that surrounded the All Progressives Congress’ Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket during the 2023 general election.

Wike made the statement during a television interview, while reflecting on the political factors that influenced support for different candidates in the 2023 presidential election.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Wike recalled that his children supported Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party. He attributed their decision, in part, to concerns surrounding the APC’s decision to field Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, both Muslims, on its presidential ticket.

The FCT minister said the religious debate surrounding the ticket was a significant issue during the 2023 election, with concerns about Christian representation becoming part of the political campaign.

Wike, however, argued that the situation has changed under Tinubu’s administration. He said some people who previously supported Obi have since expressed different views about the former Labour Party presidential candidate.

He stated that many Nigerians were carried away by the political atmosphere surrounding the 2023 election but suggested that the controversy over the Muslim-Muslim ticket no longer has the same impact.

“Tinubu has been able to kill the Muslim-Muslim ticket problem,” Wike said, describing the issue as one that had generated significant political debate during the last presidential election.

The Muslim-Muslim ticket remains a subject of political discussion, however. During August 2026, Islamic cleric Sani Jingir publicly advocated for the continuation of such a ticket, while other political figures have continued to debate its implications ahead of the 2027 election.

Wike also commented on Peter Obi’s political prospects, asserting that the former Anambra State governor would not win the 2027 presidential election. That statement represents Wike’s political assessment and is not an established election outcome or prediction that can be independently confirmed at this stage.

The FCT minister’s comments come amid continuing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with questions surrounding presidential tickets, religion and possible alliances remaining prominent in national political discussions.