The All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly refuted burgeoning speculation that President Bola Tinubu intends to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima for the 2027 presidential election. Dismissing the rumors as mere political maneuvering designed to sow discord, the party emphasized the strong working relationship between the President and his deputy. The APC highlighted Shettima’s intellectual prowess, unwavering focus, and deep involvement in the administration, portraying him as a crucial asset. They characterized the speculation as typical pre-election noise, a predictable occurrence within the political landscape, while reiterating the party’s unwavering endorsement of both Tinubu and Shettima. This reassurance comes amidst a backdrop of political realignments and defections, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
The rumors gained traction following the emphatic endorsement of Tinubu as the sole APC presidential candidate for 2027 by 22 governors, National Assembly leaders, and prominent party figures. This endorsement, initiated by the Progressive Governors’ Forum Chairman and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and seconded by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, took place during a high-profile APC National Summit. The endorsement was further solidified by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, speaking on behalf of the National Assembly, who cited Tinubu’s performance as justification for his re-election bid. APC National Chairman, Dr. Umar Ganduje, cemented this decision, declaring Tinubu the party’s uncontested candidate for the 2027 presidential race.
While this endorsement was met with enthusiastic approval from some quarters, it also sparked criticism both within the APC and from opposition parties. Critics like Charles Udeogaranya, a former APC presidential aspirant, condemned the move as a stifling of internal democracy. He argued that bypassing a competitive primary election in 2027 would deny other potential candidates the chance to present their visions for Nigeria, potentially hindering the emergence of more effective leadership. This internal dissent coincides with increased political tensions arising from defections and realignments, which are likely contributing to the conjecture surrounding Shettima’s future.
The speculation regarding Shettima’s potential replacement is further fueled by growing discontent within the North Central region, where feelings of marginalization under the current administration are prevalent. This discontent has manifested in the form of the North-Central Renaissance Movement, a group advocating for the region to secure either the presidency or the vice presidency in 2027. This group, led by Prof. Nghargbu K’tso, has initiated consultations with influential figures across the country, including former National Security Adviser Gen. Aliyu Gusau, Senator John Danboyi, and various traditional leaders. Their central argument is the region’s constitutional right to executive power, a right they believe has been overlooked. This regional pressure adds another dimension to the speculation surrounding Shettima’s position, potentially making him a bargaining chip in the complex political calculus leading up to 2027.
Despite the swirling rumors and political pressures, the APC has maintained a consistent message of unity and stability within the Tinubu-Shettima partnership. Echoing the party’s official stance, Chidi Duru, the Deputy National Organising Secretary, acknowledged that the ultimate decision rests with President Tinubu but emphasized the absence of any official indication of a change in the current ticket. This statement reinforces the earlier dismissals of the rumors as speculative and unfounded, emphasizing the President’s prerogative in such matters. While acknowledging the President’s power to reshape the ticket, the party seems intent on projecting an image of continuity and stability, downplaying any potential disruption.
In summary, the rumors surrounding Vice President Shettima’s future reflect the complex and dynamic political landscape in Nigeria as the 2027 election cycle begins to take shape. While the APC has categorically denied any intention to replace Shettima, the speculation persists, fueled by a confluence of factors including internal party dynamics, regional pressures, and the ongoing political realignments. The endorsement of Tinubu as the sole APC candidate, while celebrated by some, has also opened up avenues for dissent and fueled concerns about internal democracy within the party. The North Central region’s push for greater representation in the executive branch further complicates the situation, potentially adding pressure on the existing power structure. While the APC continues to project an image of stability and unity, the underlying tensions and competing interests suggest that the road to 2027 may be fraught with political maneuvering and potential shifts in alliances.
