The political future of Vice President Kashim Shettima is under scrutiny as the All Progressives Congress (APC) faces internal debates about its 2027 presidential ticket. Sources within the party and the Presidency have disclosed that President Bola Tinubu may be under pressure to select a different running mate for the next election.
Reports indicate that at least four northern governors—split evenly between the North-East and North-West—and two leading National Assembly members are interested in the vice-presidential position.
Borno State’s Political Fallout
The campaign against Shettima is attributed to public dissent from Borno State’s Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, and Senator Ali Ndume. Zulum, who succeeded Shettima, has openly criticized Tinubu’s tax reforms and the federal government’s security policies, claiming they disadvantage the North. At a recent APC meeting, Zulum protested Shettima’s exclusion from Tinubu’s endorsement, sparking unrest among party delegates.
Senator Ndume’s ongoing criticism of the administration has also drawn attention, leading to calls for his removal from a key Senate leadership role.
A party insider remarked, “If a sitting governor and senator from your state, especially one you handed over to, keep criticising the government, it becomes a problem.”
The Race for the Vice Presidency
With the vice-presidential position in question, several governors—including Yobe’s Mai Mala Buni, Gombe’s Muhammadu Yahaya, Kaduna’s Uba Sani, and Katsina’s Dikko Radda—are being considered as possible replacements. Speaker Tajudeen Abass and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin are also seen as contenders.
Despite denials from their representatives, speculation persists that these leaders are maneuvering for the VP slot.
Party Divisions and Political Calculations
The APC’s National Working Committee and National Executive Committee are reportedly split over Shettima’s future. Some party leaders are actively lobbying for a change, while others insist the President should retain his current deputy.
A senior party official commented, “It is ‘cold’ because only the President has the constitutional right to select his running mate. So, it’s not exactly a crisis, but rather high-level political manoeuvring.”
North-East’s Stance
APC North-East Zonal Chairman Mustapha Salihu has vowed that the region will fight to keep the vice-presidential slot, emphasizing the importance of political consensus within the party.
The Stakes for 2027
A northern lawmaker warned that dropping Shettima could exacerbate internal divisions and undermine Tinubu’s support base in the North. “Without Shettima, the President couldn’t have won the election in 2023,” the lawmaker noted.
The contest for the vice presidency is shaping up to be a defining battle within the APC as the 2027 elections approach.