2027: Northern Stakeholders Warn Against Any Move to Replace Vice President Shettima

By Rendezvous News Desk

Some northern stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have warned against any attempt to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as the party’s vice-presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing such a move as potentially destabilising for the party.

The warning followed growing speculation within political circles about possible changes to the APC’s 2027 presidential ticket, although the party leadership has made no official statement on the matter.

One of the stakeholders, legal scholar and APC member Umar D. Duhu, said in a statement that removing Shettima would have far-reaching political consequences, particularly in the North, where he said the vice president enjoys strong support.

According to Duhu, Shettima’s position goes beyond individual office holding and is tied to the internal balance that holds together the APC’s coalition structure.

Concerns Over Party Balance

The APC was formed in 2013 through a merger of legacy political parties, including the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), with additional support from factions of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Duhu and other stakeholders argue that the defunct ANPP bloc has become increasingly marginalised in federal appointments and that Vice President Shettima remains its most prominent representative within the current administration.

They warned that any attempt to remove him could be interpreted by party supporters as exclusion of a key political constituency.

Speculation Over Possible Replacements

Recent political discussions have linked the vice-presidential slot to several names, including Yakubu Dogara, Matthew Hassan Kukah, Christopher Musa, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume.

While no official confirmation has been made, the reports have generated debate within the party and among its support base.

Duhu described the speculation as politically sensitive, noting that religious and regional considerations continue to play a significant role in Nigeria’s electoral outcomes.

Muslim–Muslim Ticket Debate

The issue has also reignited discussions around the Muslim–Muslim ticket that produced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the 2023 election.

Some stakeholders dismissed claims that the ticket faced international opposition, insisting that Nigeria’s electoral decisions remain a sovereign matter.

Calls for Caution

Northern APC members have urged the party leadership to exercise caution in handling internal discussions ahead of 2027, warning that unresolved grievances over appointments and representation could affect party unity.

They called on the APC to prioritise internal cohesion and avoid actions that could deepen divisions within the party as preparations for the next general election begin.

As of the time of filing this report, the APC national leadership had not issued any official response to the concerns raised.