The persistent silence of President Bola Tinubu regarding rumors of replacing his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former political adviser to the President. While the next presidential election is still two years away, the speculation surrounding Shettima’s future has gained momentum, fueling uncertainty and raising concerns about the stability of the current administration. The rumors, which suggest a potential replacement of Shettima with another Northern candidate, possibly a Christian, have circulated for some time, creating a cloud of ambiguity over the political landscape.
Baba-Ahmed, speaking on a televised political program, expressed his concern over the President’s inaction in addressing these rumors. He argued that a direct and unambiguous statement from President Tinubu affirming his confidence in Vice President Shettima would have effectively quelled the speculation and reassured the public. The lack of such a statement, according to Baba-Ahmed, not only fuels the rumors but also raises questions about the President’s true intentions. He suggested that a simple, yet firm declaration from Tinubu expressing satisfaction with Shettima’s performance and dismissing the rumors as baseless would have been sufficient to put the matter to rest. Furthermore, Baba-Ahmed proposed that the President could have emphasized that the decision regarding his running mate for the 2027 elections would be made at the appropriate time, focusing instead on the immediate tasks at hand.
The presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, had previously dismissed the rumors as a “non-issue,” stating that the choice of a running mate would only be relevant after securing the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination. However, Baba-Ahmed contends that this response is inadequate and that the President’s personal intervention is necessary to address the growing concerns. He emphasized that the statement should come directly from President Tinubu and should be delivered with conviction and clarity, leaving no room for misinterpretation. The failure to do so, he argued, is not only worrying but also suggests a potential disconnect between the President’s public stance and his private intentions.
The ongoing speculation regarding Shettima’s future has several potential implications. Firstly, it creates instability within the government and could distract from the administration’s focus on pressing national issues. Secondly, it fuels political tensions and could exacerbate existing divisions within the country, particularly along religious and regional lines. Thirdly, it undermines public trust in the government and raises questions about the transparency and integrity of the political process. Therefore, a decisive and clear statement from President Tinubu is crucial to address these concerns and restore confidence in his leadership.
Baba-Ahmed’s criticism highlights the importance of clear communication and transparency in political leadership. The President’s silence, in the face of persistent rumors, not only fuels speculation but also creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and distrust. A proactive approach, involving a direct and unambiguous statement from the President himself, would be more effective in addressing the issue and reassuring the public. This would not only demonstrate the President’s confidence in his Vice President but also reaffirm his commitment to stability and unity within the government.
In conclusion, the ongoing rumors regarding the potential replacement of Vice President Shettima have become a significant political issue, demanding a clear and decisive response from President Tinubu. The President’s silence, coupled with the inadequate response from his spokesperson, has only served to fuel the speculation and raise concerns about the stability of the current administration. A direct and unequivocal statement from the President affirming his confidence in Shettima is essential to address the growing uncertainty and restore public trust. This would not only demonstrate leadership but also reaffirm the President’s commitment to unity and stability within the government and the nation as a whole.
