Vice President Kashim Shettima’s political standing appears increasingly precarious as internal dynamics within the All Progressives Congress (APC) suggest he may be sidelined from the party’s 2027 presidential ticket. Multiple credible sources within the Presidency and APC have revealed that strategic political calculations are underway, which could see President Bola Tinubu selecting a new running mate for the next election cycle.
okay.ng reports that at least four northern governors—two each from the North-East and North-West—and two principal officers from the 10th National Assembly are actively considering bids for the vice presidential slot.
Friction from Borno and Its Consequences
The movement against Shettima is rooted in the outspoken criticism of President Tinubu’s administration by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, and Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South. Zulum, a loyalist and successor to Shettima, has been particularly vocal against the administration’s tax reforms, claiming they disproportionately favor Lagos over northern interests. He has also condemned the federal government’s approach to insecurity in Borno, even directly challenging Information Minister Mohammed Idris.
Tensions reached a peak at the North-East APC stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe on June 15, where Zulum protested the omission of Shettima’s name during Tinubu’s endorsement for a second term. The omission led to chaos, with Shettima’s supporters vocally confronting party officials.
Senator Ndume’s loyalty to Shettima is ambiguous, but he, too, has been a persistent critic of the Tinubu government. The APC’s National Working Committee even sought his removal as Senate Majority Whip, citing his “unguarded outbursts.”
A source explained, “The main problem for Shettima is the conduct of politicians from his state, including the governor, Ndume, and others close to him, who have been openly critical. The perception is that he can’t rein them in.”
Governors and Lawmakers Position Themselves
Following the tumultuous stakeholders’ meeting, several governors and lawmakers began positioning themselves as potential vice-presidential candidates. “It is very much within the realm of possibility because the VP is not particularly close to the President,” an insider noted, adding that although Tinubu hasn’t confirmed any decision, the speculation has spurred political maneuvering.
Governors from Yobe, Gombe, Kaduna, and Katsina—Mai Mala Buni, Muhammadu Yahaya, Senator Uba Sani, and Dikko Radda—are reportedly under consideration, alongside House Speaker Tajudeen Abass and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Despite these rumors, spokespeople for the Gombe and Katsina governors, as well as a close associate of Jibrin, have denied any interest in the vice presidency, calling such talk “mere political permutations.”
APC Leadership Divided
Within the APC, the debate over Shettima’s future has caused divisions among the National Working Committee and National Executive Committee. While the party leadership is working to prevent a crisis, some insiders admit there is substance to the speculation about replacing Shettima.
A senior party official stated, “The move to replace Shettima with another running mate for President Tinubu in the 2027 election is real. Some party leaders are working tirelessly to persuade the President to drop the vice president and choose either a governor from the North-East or another from the North-West.”
However, the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Duru, insisted there is no confusion about the 2027 ticket, emphasizing that the President has the prerogative to choose his running mate.
North-East APC Insists on Retaining VP Slot
Mustapha Salihu, the APC’s North-East Zonal Chairman, declared that the zone would not relinquish the vice-presidential slot, asserting, “We are going to hold on to it and do everything to retain this seat through political consensus.”
Salihu clarified that omitting Shettima’s name during the endorsement was a procedural matter, not a slight against the Vice President.
Lawmaker Warns Against Dropping Shettima
A northern House of Representatives member cautioned President Tinubu against replacing Shettima, arguing that the Vice President’s influence was instrumental in securing the 2023 victory. “If he (Tinubu) retains Shettima, he will reduce internal rancour and sabotage in the north. If he drops him, he will widen the scope of his challenges,” the lawmaker warned.
As the 2027 elections approach, the internal contest for the vice-presidential ticket is set to intensify, with northern power blocs determined to assert their influence.
