Focus on the job, not 2027 tickets - Onoh replies Minister Hannatu

The former southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and current Chairman of forum of former members of Enugu State House of Assembly, Denge. Josef Onoh, has asked the Minister for Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musawa, to pay more attention to her job than on the politics of 2027 presidential tickets.

The Minister had in a 'Mic On Show' media programme warnef that dropping a Northern Muslim (specifically Vice President Kashim Shettima) from President Bola Tinubu's 2027 ticket could create significant hurdles for the APC in core Northern states.

Onoh noted that the Minister's emphasis on the sophistication of Northern politics and the importance of maintaining the Muslim-Muslim ticket configuration aligns with the party's 2023 strategy, which delivered strong support in the North.

Onoh however said that as a committed APC stakeholder, it was important to address the broader context of party unity and focus, insisting that the speculation about the 2027 ticket is premature and risks distracting from the urgent task of governance and party consolidation. 

"President Tinubu and the APC leadership have consistently demonstrated a commitment to inclusive representation, and any decisions on the ticket will be made strategical by the party's national leadership, governors, and stakeholders.

"I'd rather advise the Hon. Minister to focus on her role as Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy which is critical to delivering on President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda," Onoh advised.

Onoh said that the Minister's expertise and visibility in her portfolio positions her to drive tangible achievements in promoting Nigeria's cultural heritage, tourism potential, and creative industries—sectors that can generate jobs, revenue, and national pride.

He further advised that grassroots mobilization, ward-level engagement, and party consolidation are best handled by dedicated party mobilizers, state executives, governors, and the APC National Chairman. 

"This is because these structures are actively working to strengthen the party's base across all regions, ensuring that the APC remains united and formidable ahead of 2027."

Onoh stated that since Hanatu's appointment as Minister, there has been limited visible engagement in grassroots party activities or direct promotion of the APC at the local level. 

"While ministerial duties demand focus, many stakeholders note that ministers who balance their portfolios with active party support (through campaigns, rallies, or constituency outreach) strengthen the overall APC brand. Waking up to comment on sensitive national ticket issues at this juncture—without consistent prior involvement in party-building efforts—may come across as selective rather than holistic."

Onoh in conclusion, said that the APC's success in 2027 will depend on collective discipline: ministers delivering in their sectors, governors driving state-level performance, and grassroots politicians mobilizing voters. 

"Let us all stay in our lanes to avoid unnecessary distractions and work toward a stronger, more united party. The APC remains confident under President Tinubu's leadership, and with focused execution, we will consolidate our gains and secure victory in 2027 irrespective of the choice of a Muslim/Muslim or Muslim/Christian ticket."