2027: Replacing Shettima will jeopardize Tinubu’s reelection – APC chieftain warns
A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Abayomi Mumuni, has cautioned the party against any attempts to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima on religious grounds. Mumuni spoke out on Wednesday following recent controversies surrounding the Vice President’s visibility within party branding.
The warning follows a specific incident at the North-East Zonal Public Hearing for the APC constitutional amendment, where Shettima’s photograph was notably missing from a banner. This omission sparked intense speculation regarding his future on the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections.
Mumuni argued that discussions about replacing Shettima with a Christian candidate to improve religious inclusivity are not strategically viable. He maintained that the northern region currently lacks a Christian figure with the necessary political clout to provide substantial electoral support.
The APC chieftain emphasized that the Vice President remains a critical component of the party’s power structure. He warned that any move to drop him could undermine the APC’s overall chances of retaining control in the next election cycle.
According to Mumuni, the current political climate requires candidates who possess strong grassroots support and a nationwide appeal. He suggested that few Christian politicians in the North could effectively complement President Bola Tinubu’s electoral strength at this time.
The speculation regarding Shettima’s position comes amid internal party debates over representation and regional balance. Mumuni described these maneuvers as a potential threat to the stability of the administration’s winning formula.
“Any miscalculation in this regard could jeopardise the winning ticket for the current administration,” he warned. He urged the party to prioritize strategic political consolidation over reactive changes based on religious considerations.
