There are growing indications that President Bola Tinubu may replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate ahead of the 2027 general election, following mounting political and international pressure.
According to reports by Daily Sun, discussions around a possible replacement have intensified within political circles close to the presidency.
WHY SHETTIMA MAY BE DROPPED
Sources cited by the newspaper claim that external pressure, particularly from the United States, is influencing the conversation. The preference, according to the report, is for a Muslim-Christian ticket as President Tinubu seeks re-election.
This development is said to have complicated earlier plans within the presidency, where considerations reportedly leaned towards retaining a Muslim-Muslim ticket or replacing Shettima with another Muslim candidate.
POTENTIAL REPLACEMENTS EMERGE
Among the names being mentioned as possible vice-presidential candidates are:
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Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto
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Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives
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Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence
While Kukah and Gen. Musa are both from Kaduna State, Dogara hails from Bauchi State.
Sources revealed that conversations about dropping Shettima reportedly began as early as the mid-term of the Tinubu administration, although most APC governors are said to be backing his retention.
BACKSTORY: EARLIER OPTIONS CONSIDERED
Before the reported US push for religious balancing, the presidency allegedly considered replacing Shettima with:
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Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, former Zamfara State governor
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Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser
However, the demand for a Muslim-Christian ticket is said to have reshaped the calculations entirely.
WHAT HAPPENS TO SHETTIMA?
If eventually dropped, sources say the Tinubu camp is considering compensation options for Vice President Shettima, including:
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Appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations
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Support for a 2031 presidential bid
The 2031 option, however, reportedly faces resistance, as some US interests are said to favour rotating power to the South-East after Tinubu’s tenure, citing national healing and inclusion.
KUKAH FACTOR AND RELIGIOUS SENSITIVITY
Supporters of Bishop Kukah have expressed uncertainty over whether the respected cleric would accept a political role or receive approval from the Vatican. Sources say he would only be approached if Tinubu fully commits to a Muslim-Christian ticket.
Political analysts note that the US interest in Nigeria’s electoral dynamics aligns with recent concerns over Christian persecution in the country.
INTERNATIONAL ANGLE
The report recalls that former US President Donald Trump recently designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern”, citing alleged killings of Christians by Islamist insurgents.
Trump wrote on his official X handle:
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria… Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite these behind-the-scenes debates, President Tinubu has begun early 2027 campaign activities, receiving endorsements from APC governors and party stakeholders nationwide.
Whether Vice President Kashim Shettima remains on the ticket or gives way to a new political equation remains a key storyline to watch as 2027 approaches.
