2027: Dropping Shettima On Religious Grounds Risky For Tinubu, Says APC Chieftain

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and security expert, Abayomi Mumuni, has warned against any attempt to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima on religious grounds ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mumuni, who was a member of the intelligence and security team of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 election, said removing Shettima could undermine the APC’s chances of retaining power.

He said this on Wednesday while reacting to controversies surrounding the omission of Vice President Shettima’s photograph from a banner displayed at the North-East Zonal Public Hearing on the amendment of the APC constitution.

The development has since fuelled speculation about a possible plan to drop him from the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.

But According to Mumuni, discussions about replacing Shettima with a Christian vice-presidential candidate, to address religious inclusivity, are not strategically sound in the current political climate.

He argued that the northern region presently lacks a Christian candidate with the required grassroots strength and nationwide appeal to effectively complement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s electoral base.

“Any miscalculation in this regard could jeopardise the winning ticket for the current administration,” he warned, stressing that electoral arithmetic, not sentiment, must guide such critical political decisions.

He described Vice President Shettima’s “unwavering loyalty and commitment” to President Tinubu and the administration’s policy objectives as a key stabilising factor in governance.

He therefore advised that replacing a vice president who has shown consistency and alignment with the president’s vision could introduce unnecessary uncertainty into the political system.

He also cited potential threats to political stability, mixed public perception, internal party divisions and possible loss of electoral advantage.

Additionally, he said such a change could also disrupt policy direction and administrative efficiency, as a new vice president would need time to adjust, potentially slowing governance at a critical period.

While acknowledging that calls for greater Christian representation in leadership are legitimate, he urged party leaders to explore alternative approaches that would not weaken the existing political alliance.

He suggested that inclusivity could be strengthened through strategic appointments of credible individuals with proven influence, competence and commitment to national unity and development.

Mumuni maintained that preserving the Tinubu–Shettima alliance remains the best option as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

“Maintaining cohesion and focusing on good governance will best serve Nigeria’s interests,” he said.