2027: APC chieftain warns against replacing Shettima, says move could weaken Tinubu’s ticket Shettima

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.

Mumuni further advised

against drawing direct comparisons between Nigeria’s political environment and foreign examples, including developments in the United States, noting that Nigeria’s political landscape requires solutions tailored to its unique social and political dynamics.

He outlined potential challenges that could arise from changing the vice president, including internal party tensions, questions of alignment and the need for a new running mate to build trust and working relationships.

According to him, such a transition could also affect policy coordination and administrative efficiency during a critical political period.

Mumuni maintained that retaining the Tinubu–Shettima ticket remains, in his view, the most viable option as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

He called on APC stakeholders to focus on internal cohesion, constructive dialogue and governance delivery, stressing that unity and strategic planning are essential for the party’s future.

“Maintaining cohesion and prioritising effective governance will best serve the country’s interests,” he said.

Vanguardngr