As the race for the 2027 presidential election intensifies, fresh power tussles are emerging within the All Progressives Congress (APC), casting uncertainty over the future of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Credible sources from the Presidency and top APC leadership circles reveal that intense political calculations are underway, with strong indications that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may drop Shettima as his running mate in 2027.
Internal APC Crisis: Zulum, Ndume’s Criticism Weakening Shettima’s Standing
The political storm surrounding Shettima reportedly stems from repeated public criticism of the Tinubu administration by top Borno politicians—Governor Babagana Zulum and Senator Ali Ndume, both considered strong Shettima loyalists.
Governor Zulum, who succeeded Shettima, has publicly condemned Tinubu’s controversial tax reforms, calling them biased in favor of Lagos. He has also openly criticized the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity in the North-East, further straining relations within the ruling party.
At a recent APC North-East stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe, Zulum clashed with party leaders over the exclusion of Shettima’s name during President Tinubu’s endorsement for a second term. The session turned chaotic as pro-Shettima delegates chanted his name in protest.
Senator Ndume, another political heavyweight from Borno, is also under fire for his frequent attacks on the APC-led government. His criticism prompted the APC National Working Committee to seek his removal as Senate Majority Whip.
2027: Top Northern Politicians Jostle for Vice Presidential Slot
Insiders confirm that at least four northern governors and two principal officers from the National Assembly are discreetly lobbying to replace Shettima on the 2027 ticket.
Governors allegedly in the mix include:
- Mai Mala Buni (Yobe)
- Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe)
- Uba Sani (Kaduna)
- Dikko Radda (Katsina)
- Also reportedly eyeing the position are:
- Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass
- Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin
Though their media aides deny any political ambition for the VP slot, party sources suggest internal lobbying and political realignments are ongoing behind closed doors.
APC NWC Divided Over 2027 VP Candidate
Multiple sources within the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC) admit that the issue of Shettima’s future is polarizing party leadership.
- While some factions want him retained to maintain stability in the North-East, others argue that Shettima has failed to assert himself, lacks initiative, and is politically weakened by his state’s internal dissent.
- A senior APC official revealed, “While the President hasn’t declared a decision, the lobbying to replace Shettima is real. Some party leaders believe the North-West or North-Central deserves the VP slot in 2027.”
Despite the quiet tension, the APC maintains there’s no official crisis, stating that President Tinubu reserves the constitutional right to choose his running mate.
North-East APC: “We Will Not Relinquish the VP Slot”
In response to calls for power rotation, APC North-East Zonal Chairman, Mustapha Salihu, insists the North-East will retain the Vice Presidential seat in 2027.
Salihu defended his earlier statement that endorsed Tinubu without mentioning Shettima, stating he was only reaffirming a National Working Committee resolution.
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He said, “This is a federation. Every zone has the right to aspire, but we will not give up the vice-presidency. We’ll engage in political dialogue to retain the slot.”
Lawmakers Warn: “Tinubu Must Not Drop Shettima”
- A northern House of Representatives member cautioned President Tinubu to weigh the consequences of replacing Shettima.
- He emphasized that VP Shettima was instrumental to APC’s 2023 victory, building strategic alliances across northern states and even mobilizing opposition supporters to back Tinubu during the last election.
The lawmaker warned, “Dropping Shettima could trigger internal sabotage and weaken Tinubu’s northern support base. The 2027 election will be even tougher.”
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