Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party's presidential candidate, launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday, saying they embody everything Prophet Muhammad cautioned Muslims against. Speaking on Arise Television's Morning Show, Adebayo dismissed the Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 election.
"Even if people were searching for Muslims in leadership, the president and vice president don't represent that—they represent the opposite," Adebayo said. He argued that both leaders fail to demonstrate the core Islamic values of justice, truth, honesty, kindness and charity.
The SDP candidate questioned whether Tinubu and Shettima could genuinely serve Muslim interests, using a metaphor to suggest they would exploit citizens again if given another opportunity. He described the ticket as incompatible with authentic Islamic leadership principles.
Tinubu and Shettima won the 2023 presidential election on the All Progressives Congress ticket with their controversial Muslim-Muslim pairing. Before this year's election cycle, many observers speculated Shettima would be replaced by a Christian running mate.
However, Tinubu recently confirmed Shettima as his 2027 running mate, stunning those who anticipated a shift in the ticket's religious composition. The move has reignited debates about religious representation in Nigeria's highest offices.
Adebayo's comments reflect broader criticism from opposition figures and religious groups concerned about the ticket's composition. His remarks underscore divisions within Nigeria's political landscape as campaigns intensify ahead of the next presidential poll.
