Speculation is swirling over whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the 2027 presidential election. The debate intensified after a recent All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe descended into chaos, highlighting internal cracks and raising serious questions about unity within the ruling party.
The drama unfolded on June 15, during a North-East APC meeting intended to reaffirm support for Tinubu’s second-term bid. Tensions escalated when Mustapha Salihu, the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), endorsed Tinubu without mentioning Shettima. This omission sparked outrage among Shettima loyalists, leading to violent clashes, chants of protest, and scenes of disorder captured in now-viral videos.
Critics, including Labour Party leaders, were quick to capitalize on the chaos. Senator Nenadi Usman mocked Tinubu’s earlier boast about the opposition being “in disarray,” saying it was now the APC unraveling in public.
Signs of a Rift?
Although the APC leadership insists the Tinubu-Shettima ticket remains “non-negotiable,” the vice president’s conspicuous absence from key political endorsements, and Tinubu’s failure to transfer power to him during foreign trips, have fueled rumours of a silent sidelining.
At the Gombe meeting, despite prior endorsements from North-East governors like Zulum (Borno), Buni (Yobe), and Yahaya (Gombe), APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje also avoided confirming Shettima’s place on the ticket, further inflaming tensions. Delegates from Borno State fumed, accusing the party of insulting the region and threatening to defect to the opposition if Shettima is dropped.
APC’s Official Response
Ganduje condemned the violence as “unpatriotic and irresponsible,” warning that such conduct could destabilize Nigeria’s democracy. His aide emphasized that the Tinubu-Shettima partnership remains firm and accused dissenters of political immaturity.
Similarly, APC-USA chairman Prof. Tai Balofin called the outrage “misplaced,” insisting Shettima’s contributions to the administration are “invaluable.” He urged party members to focus on unity rather than controversy.
Why Would Tinubu Drop Shettima?
Despite public reassurances, some APC insiders told The PUNCH that talks of replacing Shettima are based on strategic calculations ahead of 2027. One source noted that Tinubu may seek a running mate from a different region to boost the party’s electoral chances, especially in zones where the APC underperformed in 2023.
Journalist Jafar Jafar argued that Shettima’s 2023 selection was a tactical response to PDP’s Atiku Abubakar candidacy from the North-East, not necessarily a merit-based choice. He warned that if the North-East wants to retain the VP slot, it must prove its electoral value, not just display outrage.
However, he urged Tinubu to retain Shettima “on compassionate grounds,” warning against transactional politics that dismiss loyalty and service.
Analysts Warn Against Replacement
Political analyst Dr. Okey Ikechukwu cautioned that internal divisions within the APC, especially regarding Shettima’s future, threaten party cohesion and democratic norms. He criticized the public nature of the dispute, saying it creates an impression of instability at the highest levels of government.
Former Communications Minister Adebayo Shittu echoed these concerns. “Why tamper with a winning team?” he asked, warning that replacing Shettima could alienate key support bases and hand the opposition a major advantage.
Tinubu’s Constitutional Authority
Following the incident in Gombe, Mustapha Salihu clarified on Channels Television that only Tinubu, as the presidential candidate, has the legal authority to choose a running mate. “There is no joint ticket at the primary level,” he said. “That decision lies solely with the presidential candidate after nomination.”
Potential Replacements for Shettima
If Tinubu decides to select a new running mate, several names have surfaced as possible replacements:
Nuhu Ribadu – The current National Security Adviser, a former EFCC chairman and one-time presidential aspirant. Though he denied recent rumors of a 2031 presidential ambition, his name remains in the conversation.
Inuwa Yahaya – Governor of Gombe State and Chair of the North East Governors Forum. Despite publicly backing the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, insiders claim his support may be lukewarm.
Yakubu Dogara – Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and a northern Christian. His recent appointment to lead the National Credit Guarantee Company is viewed by some as positioning for higher office.
Abubakar Badaru – Ex-Jigawa governor and current Minister of Defence. His northern roots and political loyalty make him a potential safe choice for the APC.
Simon Lalong – Former Plateau governor and now senator. As a northern Christian, his selection could help balance religious sensitivities and attract broader support.
What’s Next?
While the presidency has not officially addressed the speculation, how the APC navigates this internal tension will be a major factor in shaping the 2027 presidential race. For now, Tinubu’s decision — whether to stand by Shettima or make a strategic switch — could significantly influence the party’s chances and unity moving forward.
