what will happen if Tinubu replaces his VP, Shettimap

what will happen if Tinubu replaces his VP, Shettima

Reports from top news outlets indicate that despite ongoing speculation, President Bola Tinubu is unlikely to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima in 2027. A senior Villa source explicitly stated that the rumours are unfounded and that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket will remain intact.

The speculation intensified following a recent APC North-east meeting where some leaders omitted Shettima’s name during an endorsement, sparking internal discord.

However, if such a move were to happen, the potential consequences could include:

▫️Political Instability: The action could fracture the APC, particularly within the North-east, which could lead to mass defections. Governors from the North-east have already had to publicly reaffirm their support for the joint ticket to calm rising tensions.

▫️Backlash over the Muslim-Muslim ticket: Some have argued that dropping Shettima could be an attempt to address the controversy surrounding the same-faith ticket. However, this could backfire and cost the party significant northern Muslim votes, with one APC forum warning of losing 80% of them.

▫️Loss of key voting blocs: A new running mate from a different region, such as the North-Central, could alienate parts of the North-east. This could create new internal conflicts and power struggles within the party.

▫️Internal party crisis: The speculation has already exposed deep divisions within the APC. Political analysts suggest that replacing Shettima could trigger a more serious internal implosion.

▫️Damage to Tinubu’s image: Some analysts have criticized Tinubu for his silence on the matter, arguing that a direct and emphatic statement from him would have been necessary to quell the rumours.

It is important to remember that these scenarios are based on speculation that President Tinubu will drop his current vice president. Reports from reputable sources as of September 2025 suggest this is unlikely to happen.