2027: The North Holds the Key , And Shettima Holds the North

News Rendezvous 

In an chat with newsmen, Adamawa-born politician and pioneer North-East National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Duhu, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 will be a hurdle difficult to summaunt without his Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima.

Duhu, a founding chieftain of the ruling party, warned that dropping Shettima from the ticket would amount to “political suicide” for the APC, stressing that the Vice President’s grip on the northern caucus of the party and his stronghold on the electorate in the region remains the party’s most valuable political asset.

“The truth is simple: Tinubu cannot do it without Shettima. The Vice President is the bridge between the President and the northern grassroots. Without him, APC cannot survive 2027,” Duhu said.

Shettima’s Northern Capital

According to Duhu, Shettima commands enormous goodwill across the North, a region he described as the ultimate decider in Nigerian elections.

“The North is the critical voting bloc. Shettima has built trust here as a moderate and unifier. His influence is not something you can substitute or gamble with,” he explained.

Tinubu’s Praise Was Strategic

Commenting on President Tinubu’s recent commendation of Shettima, Duhu insisted the gesture was calculated.

“Tinubu is a strategist. His praise of Shettima was deliberate, a clear message to reassure the North that their alliance is solid. It was political communication at its sharpest,” he noted.

APC Ticket Already ‘Settled’

Duhu further revealed that within APC’s hierarchy, Shettima’s place on the 2027 ticket is treated as non-negotiable.

“In legal terms, it’s res judicata, a settled case. Shettima is not just a deputy; he is the stabilizer of this government. Anyone speculating otherwise is simply daydreaming,” he declared.

Opposition on Alert

The APC stalwart also admitted that opposition parties are wary of the Tinubu–Shettima alliance, knowing it presents a formidable challenge.

“If the ticket stands, the opposition has a mountain to climb. Tinubu brings national reach, Shettima brings northern strength, together, it is a winning formula,” Duhu said.

Call for Inclusivity

Looking ahead, Duhu urged Nigerians to embrace unity and inclusivity in politics.

“What this country needs is stability and fairness. The Tinubu–Shettima ticket represents balance. Nigerians must rally behind leaders who respect our diversity and are ready to govern for all,” he concluded.