2027 Election: Why Tinubu May Want to Replace VP Shettima, Possible Reasons Emerge
- Nigeria’s vice president Kashim Shettima faces growing uncertainty over his role in the 2027 presidential election as internal moves within the APC suggest he might be sidelined
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to seek a second term, but reports indicated that several northern governors and lawmakers are positioning themselves for the vice presidential slot
- Analysts warn that the APC must carefully manage the situation to avoid a political crisis ahead of the polls
The political future of Nigeria’s vice president Kashim Shettima appears to be hanging in the balance as signals within the All Progressive Congress (APC) point to his possible exclusion from the 2027 presidential election. It is already established that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's intentions are clear regarding seeking a second term.
However, whether Shettima will remain on the ballot alongside him is said to be uncertain.
Source: Twitter
Political observers note that ongoing permutations within the APC could compel President Tinubu to drop Shettima for another running mate.
It has been learnt by TVC that four northern governors, two each from the North East and North West, alongside two principal officers from the national assembly, are eyeing the vice presidential seat.
APC internal crisis, lawmakers positioning
Following the chaotic north east stakeholder’s meeting months ago, analysts suggested that the tension was a sign of deeper issues.
Lawmakers were reportedly positioning themselves as potential picks for the highly coveted vice presidential slot. The APC working committee is said to be managing the situation carefully to avoid creating a crisis for the party ahead of the 2027 polls.
Umar Ganduje's resignation adds to APC turbulence
Amidst the ongoing discussions about the vice presidential seat, Umar Ganduje, the former APC chairman, resigned and was replaced. His departure was seen as adding another layer of uncertainty to the party’s internal dynamics.
Speaking on TVC, political analyst Jide Ojo was asked why President Tinubu might want to replace Shettima. He responded:
“If you look at the past history of President Tinubu, he has always been changing his deputies. In eight years as governor, he had three deputies. From Femi Pedro to Mrs. Kofoworola and others. About four deputies or so. Have you ever seen the president handing over to Shetima even for one day? No matter how long Tinubu spent outside Nigeria, he never allowed Shettima to be acting president.”
Speaking with Legit.ng, AbdulRasheed Hussain, a policy analyst based in Nigeria, said what is happening reflected the party’s internal rivalries:
“Shettima’s uncertain position within the APC highlights the party’s delicate balancing act ahead of 2027. With Tinubu intent on a second term and northern power blocs vying for influence, the vice president’s fate reflects both internal rivalries and the broader challenge of maintaining cohesion in a party under growing strain.”
See the full interview below:
The APC appears to be facing a delicate balancing act as it prepared for the 2027 presidential election. With President Tinubu determined to seek a second term and several influential figures reportedly vying for the vice presidential slot, the future of Kashim Shettima within the party remains uncertain.
Source: Twitter
List of politicians tipped as possible next VP of Tinubu
Legit.ng earlier reported that pressure was mounting on President Bola Tinubu to ensure a religious balance on his presidential ticket as he prepared for re-election in 2027.
Competent media sources stated that forces from the United States had indicated a preference for a Muslim-Christian ticket in Tinubu’s quest to retain his position as president of Nigeria beyond 2027.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
