Shettima Dismisses 2027 Challengers, Says Tinubu Has No Real Rival

Vice President Kashim Shettima has sparked fresh political debate after declaring that anyone daring to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election would be embarking on a “suicidal path,” describing such contenders as “a fool” or “an outright imposter.

Shettima made the remarks while speaking at a recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, where party leaders gathered to review internal strategies and reaffirm loyalty to the Tinubu-led administration. According to the Vice President, the ruling party remains firmly behind Tinubu, whom he portrayed as politically unmatched ahead of the next general election. Only a fool, hell-bent on a suicidal path, or an outright imposter can dare to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” Shettima said. He, however, acknowledged Nigeria’s democratic framework, stressing that “we are in a democracy, and people are free to contest elections. The Vice President argued that electoral victories in Nigeria are not won through online popularity or social media agitation but through broad coalitions, party structures, and grassroots mobilisation. He cautioned opposition figures against relying solely on digital influence, insisting that elections are decided by organisation, credibility, and political reach across the country. Shettima further stated that Tinubu’s long political career, from his role in the pro-democracy struggle to his tenure as Lagos State governor and now as president, gives him an advantage no rival can easily overcome. He described the president’s experience as a “shield” that would make any serious challenge in 2027 extremely difficult. The comments come amid growing conversations about the 2027 elections, even as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to release a formal timetable. Within the APC, senior figures have increasingly projected confidence that Tinubu will secure a second term, citing ongoing economic reforms, infrastructure investments, and efforts to stabilise the country’s fiscal and security situation. However, Shettima’s remarks have also drawn mixed reactions in the wider political space. Critics argue that such strong language risks undermining democratic competition, while supporters view it as routine party rhetoric aimed at consolidating support and discouraging internal dissent. Analysts note that the Vice President’s statement reflects a broader trend within the ruling party to assert dominance early, potentially shaping the political narrative well ahead of the 2027 polls. Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, are expected to respond by strengthening alliances and refining their strategies as the election cycle approaches. Despite the controversy, Shettima reiterated that Nigeria remains a democracy where anyone constitutionally qualified can seek elective office. Yet, his message was clear: within the APC, confidence in President Tinubu’s re-election prospects remains unshaken, and the party sees no credible threat on the horizon ahead of 2027.