North-Central APC Warns Tinubu Against Dropping Shettima in 2027
The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such a move could erode critical support for the ruling party in the North.
The warning was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by the Forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, who served as a member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 polls.
According to Zazzaga, suggestions from some political stakeholders that Tinubu should reconsider the religious composition of the APC ticket are “misguided and potentially destabilizing.”
He noted that pressure has mounted in recent months, with critics arguing that the Muslim-Muslim ticket was partly responsible for the party’s poor showing in some northern states such as Nasarawa, Plateau, and even the Federal Capital Territory in 2023.
However, the Forum defended the decision that produced the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, describing it as a “well-calculated strategy” that delivered overall victory for the APC. It argued that dropping Shettima in 2027 could alienate northern Muslim voters who view the Vice President as a key figure in balancing regional and political interests.
“Vice President Shettima has proven his loyalty and capacity in office. Any attempt to replace him will send the wrong signal to the North, especially the Muslim electorate, and could weaken the APC’s chances of retaining power,” the statement read in part.
The Forum further dismissed claims that Christians were marginalized in the current political arrangement, pointing out that key national figures from the Middle Belt who are Christians hold influential positions in government.
These include the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
Zazzaga stressed that instead of reopening debates about the religious composition of the party’s ticket, the focus should be on consolidating governance gains, promoting inclusiveness, and ensuring that all regions feel adequately represented.
“The APC should avoid internal distractions. What Nigerians need now is good governance, economic stability, and security, not endless controversies over religion and ethnicity,” he added.
The statement comes amid ongoing political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections, with speculation rife that President Tinubu may be considering adjustments to his team in response to criticism of the 2023 ticket and its implications for national unity.
