Why Dropping Shettima Before 2027 Could Undermine Tinubu’s Re-election Bid
Why Dropping Shettima Before 2027 Could Undermine Tinubu’s Re-election Bid
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and security expert, Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has cautioned against calls to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such a move could weaken President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election prospects.
Mumuni, who was a member of the intelligence and security team of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) during the 2023 presidential election, expressed the view that replacing the vice president on religious grounds would be politically risky.
He spoke on Wednesday while reacting to controversies surrounding the omission of Vice President Shettima’s photograph from a banner displayed at the North-East Zonal Public Hearing on the amendment of the APC constitution—an incident that has sparked public speculation about the party’s 2027 ticket.
According to Mumuni, discussions about substituting Shettima with a Christian vice-presidential candidate, reportedly to address concerns about religious balance, may not align with prevailing political realities.
He argued that, in his assessment, the northern region currently lacks a Christian candidate with sufficient grassroots support and nationwide appeal capable of complementing President Tinubu’s electoral strength.
“Decisions of this magnitude must be guided by political calculations and electoral realities, not sentiment,” he said, warning that any misstep could affect the party’s electoral fortunes.
Mumuni also highlighted what he described as Vice President Shettima’s loyalty to President Tinubu and commitment to the administration’s policy direction, noting that continuity in leadership often contributes to political stability and effective governance.
He cautioned that changing the vice president could introduce uncertainty, both within the ruling party and in public perception, especially at a time when the administration is still implementing its agenda.
While acknowledging that calls for broader representation in leadership are legitimate, the APC chieftain urged party leaders to explore alternative ways of promoting inclusivity without disrupting the existing political arrangement.
He suggested that inclusivity could be strengthened through strategic appointments of qualified individuals with proven capacity and broad acceptance.
