2027: Adebayo Dismisses Muslim-Muslim Debate, Labels Tinubu-Shettima ‘Zero-Zero’ Ticket

Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has dismissed the recurring debate over a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, saying Nigerians are more interested in competent and just leadership than the religious identities of those seeking public office.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday, Adebayo described President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s administration as a “zero-zero ticket,” arguing that the government has failed to live up to the expectations of Nigerians.

He contended that the Muslim-Muslim ticket narrative was a political creation designed to exploit religious sentiments rather than address the country’s governance challenges.

“There is nothing like a Muslim-Muslim ticket,” Adebayo said. “When this issue first came up four years ago, I said those expecting a Muslim-Muslim government under Tinubu and Shettima would struggle to identify even one Muslim in the true sense of Islamic leadership.”

According to him, Islamic teachings place greater value on justice, integrity and competence than on religious identity when it comes to leadership.

“In Islamic jurisprudence, leadership is about justice. A good Muslim is expected to entrust public office only to those who are qualified and capable. Leadership should never be determined by religious affiliation or personal bias,” he stated.

Adebayo argued that politicians deliberately promoted the Muslim-Muslim ticket to manipulate public opinion.

“The entire idea was packaged to mislead Nigerians by appealing to religious emotions. What people across the country are looking for is a righteous and competent leader, irrespective of faith,” he said.

The SDP chieftain further claimed that the current administration’s record has exposed the shortcomings of identity politics, noting that some of its strongest supporters are now demanding fairness and justice.

He cited former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai as an example, saying it was ironic that someone who vigorously defended the Muslim-Muslim ticket was now complaining about injustice.

“When there is no justice, religious identity loses its relevance. Even El-Rufai, one of the loudest advocates of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, and his family are now seeking justice. That tells you everything,” Adebayo said.

He maintained that Nigerians have moved beyond religious calculations and are now focused on leaders who can tackle insecurity, revive the economy and improve their standard of living.

“I don’t think Nigerians are interested in the Muslim-Muslim ticket anymore. What they want is effective leadership. The APC is simply looking for another political narrative because the old one no longer resonates,” he added.