The All Progressives Congress (APC) North Central Forum Chairman, Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, has asserted that replacing Kashim Shettima as Vice President wouldn’t hinder Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s potential victory in the 2027 presidential election. Zazzaga emphasized Tinubu’s political prowess and strategic acumen, arguing that these qualities transcend the choice of running mate and resonate deeply with the electorate. He underscored the importance of Tinubu’s political experience, cultivated over decades, and his ability to connect with diverse demographics across the country. These factors, according to Zazzaga, form the foundation of Tinubu’s popularity and ensure his enduring influence in the political landscape, irrespective of his vice-presidential choice.
Zazzaga highlighted Tinubu’s extensive political network and his demonstrated capacity to build and maintain strong alliances. This network, woven through years of active political engagement, transcends regional and religious divides, providing a broad base of support. Tinubu’s ability to forge these connections, Zazzaga argues, solidifies his political strength and positions him as a formidable force in any election. The Chairman pointed to Tinubu’s consistent track record of political victories, attributing this success to his strategic thinking and effective campaign management. These skills, coupled with his widespread support, make him a consistently strong contender regardless of other factors, such as the selection of a running mate.
Furthermore, Zazzaga emphasized the significance of Tinubu’s policy platform and his commitment to addressing critical national issues. He argued that Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria resonates with the aspirations of the populace, who prioritize economic growth, security, and improved infrastructure. This focus on substantive policy issues, according to Zazzaga, strengthens Tinubu’s appeal and positions him as a leader genuinely concerned with the welfare of the nation. This policy-driven approach transcends the individual personalities involved in his campaigns and focuses on the tangible benefits he promises to deliver to the Nigerian people. This, in turn, solidifies his support base and makes him a powerful contender irrespective of other electoral considerations.
Addressing the controversy surrounding Shettima’s selection, Zazzaga acknowledged the concerns raised but maintained that the focus should remain on Tinubu’s overall leadership qualities. He emphasized that Tinubu’s experience and vision are the primary drivers of his potential success, not the identity of his running mate. He argued that while the choice of a running mate is important, it doesn’t overshadow the candidate’s own inherent strengths and political capital. Zazzaga stressed that Tinubu’s leadership qualities and policy focus will be the deciding factors in the 2027 election, not the specifics of his vice-presidential choice. This, he believes, positions Tinubu as a strong contender capable of securing victory regardless of any changes to his running mate.
Zazzaga’s statements reflect a broader sentiment within the APC regarding Tinubu’s political standing. The party views Tinubu as a highly influential figure with a considerable following across the country. His leadership is considered crucial to the party’s success, and his political acumen is widely acknowledged. This perspective positions Tinubu as a key player within the APC and underscores the belief in his enduring electoral appeal. His experience and political strategies are seen as invaluable assets to the party, contributing significantly to its overall strength and electoral prospects.
In conclusion, Zazzaga’s assertions highlight the APC’s confidence in Tinubu’s political strength and his potential for victory in the 2027 presidential election. The focus on Tinubu’s leadership qualities, strategic acumen, and policy platform underscores the belief that these factors outweigh the importance of any specific running mate selection. This perspective suggests a strong belief within the APC that Tinubu’s political capital, honed over decades of experience and consistently successful campaigns, will be sufficient to secure victory in the next presidential election, regardless of who is chosen as his running mate. While acknowledging the importance of a balanced ticket, the primary focus remains on Tinubu’s established political influence and his demonstrated capacity to connect with the electorate, solidifying his position as a leading contender in the 2027 race.
