*Arewa Youth Movement’s Religious Calculus: A Misguided Approach To Nigeria’s 2027 Elections*

A REJOINDER TO AREWA YOUTH MOVEMENT’S CALL FOR A CHRISTIAN VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FROM NORTHERN NIGERIA

By

Comrade Shettima Umar, GCNS, FLMI, ANIPR
National Chairman, Northeast Youth Stakeholders Forum

We, the Northeast Youth Stakeholders Forum, are compelled to respond to the recent press statement issued by the Arewa Youth Movement, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima with a Christian from Northern Nigeria for the 2027 presidential election. While we respect the right to free speech, we cannot let such assertions go unchallenged, especially when they are based on flawed assumptions about governance and national unity.

The suggestion that President Tinubu’s chances of winning the 2027 election would be enhanced by dumping Vice President Shettima for a Christian running mate from the North is not only misguided but also betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of what truly matters in governance. Governance is not about religious arithmetic or faith, it is about service to the Nigerian people, delivering results and ensuring the welfare and prosperity of our great nation.

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s credentials are impeccable. As a seasoned banker, a former Commissioner, a two-term Governor of Borno State and a Senator, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and governance skills. His experience and expertise have been invaluable to the current administration, and his contributions to the nation’s development are undeniable. As Vice President, he has continued to work tirelessly to support President Tinubu’s agenda, bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to bear on national issues.

One notable aspect of Vice President Shettima’s tenure in office has been his commitment to championing key policies that benefit Nigerians. For instance, he has been instrumental in promoting initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth, improving infrastructure and enhancing access to quality education and healthcare. His efforts have helped to drive development and progress in critical sectors of the economy.

Vice President, Shettima has been a strong advocate for policies that promote national unity and social cohesion. He has worked closely with various stakeholders to promote dialogue and understanding among different ethnic and religious groups, helping to build a more harmonious and inclusive society.

Given his impressive track record and the policies he has championed, it would be unwise for those calling for a change in Vice President to overlook Vice President Kashim Shettima’s contributions and experience. The idea that a different religious affiliation would automatically translate to electoral success is simplistic and ignores the complexities of Nigerian politics.

Moreover, the assertion that the Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023 generated concerns about inclusiveness and representation among Northern Christians is not supported by empirical evidence. The 2023 election was influenced by a myriad of factors, including economic policies, security concerns and the candidates’ track records. It is reductionist to attribute the outcome of the election solely to religious considerations.

In fact, President Tinubu’s victory in 2023, despite the criticisms, demonstrates that his appeal transcends religious boundaries. His leadership and vision for Nigeria resonated with a broad spectrum of the electorate, who recognized his potential to drive meaningful change and development.

We must emphasize that governance should be about delivering results, not about appeasing specific interest groups or religious constituencies. The focus should be on policies that promote economic growth, security and social welfare for all Nigerians, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.

In light of this, we call on President Tinubu to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in 2027. The VP’s experience, leadership skills and commitment to Nigeria’s progress make him an ideal partner for President Tinubu’s re-election bid. Together, they have demonstrated their ability to work towards the nation’s development, and their synergy will undoubtedly be crucial in the years ahead.

To the Arewa Youth Movement, we urge you to consider the broader implications of your suggestions. Instead of focusing on religious representation, we should be discussing policies that benefit all Nigerians, promoting national unity and supporting leaders who have a proven track record of service and commitment to our nation’s development.

On a final note, we affirm our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. We believe that their leadership and vision are crucial for Nigeria’s progress and we look forward to their continued partnership in governance. We urge all Nigerians to join us in rejecting divisive narratives and instead focus on building a prosperous, united and strong Nigeria for all.

Thank you.

Signed:
*Comrade Shettima Umar, GCNS, FLMI, ANIPR*
National Chairman
Northeast Youth Stakeholders Forum