Abati Speaks on Muslim-Muslim Ticket, Tells Tinubu Not to Waver Over Trump’s Criticism

Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, has called on President Bola Tinubu to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate ahead of the 2027 general election. Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday, Abati emphasized that the President should remain consistent and stand by his 2023 choice.

Abati defended recent comments by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, who highlighted the political risks of changing the Vice President. He said her remarks were neither offensive nor inappropriate, noting that altering the ticket could shift political dynamics in the North, particularly among Kanuri and Hausa-Fulani voters.

He stated: “Hannatu Musawa was very courageous to point out that if we change the Vice President, it could have deeper consequences in the more politically literate North. She merely highlighted the political equation without being offensive. Nigeria’s political choices should be determined by Nigerians, not influenced by foreign figures like Donald Trump.”

Abati further urged the APC leadership to respect the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, saying that maintaining consistency would reinforce political credibility and stability.