The National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party faction led by Julius Abure, Comrade Abayomi Arabambi, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reported decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, arguing that competence, political realities and national interest should take precedence over religious considerations.

Arabambi made the remarks during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, where he dismissed renewed criticism surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim ticket, insisting that Nigerians should focus on governance performance rather than the religious identities of political leaders.

According to him, the debate over the Muslim-Muslim ticket has become largely irrelevant in light of the country’s current realities and the administration’s record in office.

He maintained that President Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Shettima should not be viewed through a religious lens but as a strategic political choice shaped by demographic and electoral considerations, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

Arabambi noted that attempts to replace a northern Muslim with a northern Christian might not necessarily yield the desired political outcome, as even many Christians in the region acknowledge their minority status within the broader northern political landscape.

He argued that political leaders must take such realities into account when making critical electoral decisions.

The Labour Party chieftain further rejected suggestions that the Muslim-Muslim ticket had contributed to insecurity or discrimination against Christians, stressing that criminal activities such as banditry, kidnapping and terrorism affect Nigerians irrespective of religion.

According to him, victims of insecurity are drawn from every faith and social background, making it inaccurate to link the country’s security challenges to the religious composition of the Presidency.

Arabambi said criminal elements do not distinguish between Christians and Muslims when carrying out attacks, noting that kidnappers and bandits target individuals based on perceived value rather than religious affiliation.

Defending the APC’s choice further, he argued that retaining a northern Muslim as vice president was politically more logical than selecting a southern Muslim or pursuing a formula that ignores the demographic realities of the North.

He also referenced historical challenges associated with formal education in parts of Northern Nigeria, including the Almajiri system and the ideological roots of Boko Haram, stressing that such issues must be understood within their broader social and political contexts.

On the performance of the Tinubu administration, Arabambi insisted that Nigerians should assess the government based on tangible achievements rather than religious sentiments.

He cited economic reforms, exchange rate unification, improved fuel availability and fiscal restructuring as some of the administration’s notable accomplishments over the past three years.

According to him, the days of long queues at filling stations have largely disappeared, while efforts to stabilise government finances and improve debt management have begun yielding positive results.

Arabambi also credited the administration with addressing inherited fiscal challenges, including a high debt-service-to-revenue ratio and outstanding international financial obligations.

Responding to criticisms over federal appointments, he dismissed allegations of marginalisation and insisted that appointments should be guided primarily by competence and the capacity to deliver results.

He argued that the composition of the Federal Executive Council reflects national inclusiveness and that the President has a constitutional responsibility to appoint individuals capable of advancing the country’s development agenda.

According to him, governance should not be reduced to a quota-sharing exercise where appointments are made solely to satisfy regional or ethnic interests.

Arabambi further pointed to the establishment of regional development commissions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones as evidence of the administration’s commitment to equitable development.

He noted that every region now has a dedicated platform through which it can pursue developmental priorities and access opportunities for growth.

The Labour Party spokesman maintained that no part of the country has been excluded from the government’s developmental initiatives and urged Nigerians to recognise efforts aimed at promoting national cohesion.

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, Arabambi stressed that voters should prioritise governance, economic management and leadership competence over religious identity.

He concluded that President Tinubu’s record in office, rather than the faith of members of his ticket, should form the basis upon which Nigerians evaluate the administration and make future electoral decisions.