The political landscape of Nigeria is on the brink of a seismic shift as we approach the 2027 elections, with loyalty, identity, and regional influence hanging in the balance. But here's where it gets controversial... The decision to either uphold or dismiss key political figures could determine the entire direction of the ruling party, the APC, and possibly alter Nigeria’s political future. What’s truly at stake is the fate of Vice President Kashim Shettima and whether he retains his place as a leading figure in the party—and the question of what this reveals about internal power struggles, regional loyalties, and the influence of external pressures.
It all started with a seemingly simple oversight during a crucial event in Maiduguri, when a banner for the APC’s North-East Zonal Public Hearing displayed a wide banner behind the podium—but conspicuously lacked the image of Shettima. The absence did not go unnoticed. Abdulkarim Lawan, the Speaker of Borno State’s House of Assembly and Nigeria’s longest-serving speaker, immediately voiced his disapproval, questioning aloud why the Vice President’s photograph was missing. His words echoed through the hall, met with enthusiastic applause from those present. What was initially perceived as a mere design slip on the banner quickly appeared to have deeper political implications—an intentional snub or a sign of brewing discontent.
Why was this omission so significant? It wasn’t the first time Shettima’s image had been excluded at a party event in the North-East, but the Maiduguri incident felt different—personal and symbolic, especially at a time when Nigeria’s political actors are intensively strategizing for 2027. Rumors have circled within the APC that President Bola Tinubu might consider replacing Shettima as his running mate—an idea fueled by ongoing debates around the Muslim–Muslim ticket and external pressures linked to religious balancing, especially from influential Western voices.
This subtle act of exclusion made tangible a whispering concern: could Shettima’s political future be under threat? Within the APC, many see the move as part of a larger game—one involving regional loyalties, religious considerations, and the need to appease various internal and external forces.
The internal party dynamics reveal a deep-rooted fear of a risky gamble. Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, a seasoned APC figure and security expert involved in the 2023 Tinubu/Shettima campaign, warns that replacing Shettima on religious grounds would be extraordinarily perilous. He emphasizes that the North—an influential voting bloc—lacks a Christian candidate with the necessary political framework and grassroots support to replace a figure seen as vital for electoral success. Mumuni underscores Shettima’s demonstrated loyalty and steady leadership, qualities that he believes are key to political stability.
While calls for religious inclusiveness are understandable in Nigeria’s diverse society, Mumuni warns that overturning a successful political pairing could fracture the internal cohesion of the APC, cause governance disruptions, and ultimately weaken its chances in the 2027 elections.
The North-East’s response has been unequivocal. Many residents and youth leaders see Shettima not as a pawn to be sacrificed but as a unifying icon—someone who bridges the region with the federal government. Kabiru Garba Kobi, leader of the APC Youth Parliament in Bauchi, condemned the rumors of Shettima’s replacement as divisive and dangerous. He warned that such a move might cost President Tinubu significant support in the North-East and urged caution against the influence of political opportunists who neither contributed to the party’s 2023 victory nor demonstrated loyalty.
Meanwhile, behind closed doors, heightened concerns swirl over foreign influence. Reports from inside Nigeria’s corridors of power suggest that pressure from countries like the United States—particularly from statements made by figures like former President Donald Trump about Christian persecution—are influencing internal discussions. Some see Nigeria’s religious composition reflected in appointments across the armed forces, intelligence, and security agencies, viewing these as signs of formal diversity. Others argue that electoral decisions should remain rooted in domestic politics, indifferent to external expectations.
Adding complexity, the North-Central zone dismisses suggestions that it is pushing for a Christian vice-presidential candidate. The APC North-Central Forum explicitly states it has no interest in the VP slot at this time, instead focusing on the 2031 presidential race. They warn that removing Shettima could weaken Tinubu’s electoral support in the region and give opposition parties an edge in 2027.
Public reactions are already swirling, with many analysts and political figures weighing in. Reuben Abati, a prominent journalist and former presidential spokesman, warns that the controversy over Shettima’s image and potential replacement could destabilize the APC and strain President Tinubu’s relationship with his deputy, especially as Nigeria prepares for the next ballots. Others, like Kabiru Kobi, argue that Tinubu might already be moving away from Shettima, acknowledging that a Muslim-Muslim ticket could be problematic. Professor Olusore Afuye believes Tinubu might eventually seek a Christian running mate from the North-Central region to satisfy regional and religious expectations—though he doubts success,
Lastly, political commentators such as Engr. Arinze Cajet suggest that the decision to exclude Shettima from the 2027 ticket may have already been made. They posit that the issue isn’t just about religion but about internal party dynamics and unresolved conflicts from the past year—highlighting how internal battles are often more decisive than external factors.
And what about Shettima himself? He remains silent publicly—no official statement or comment—yet in Nigerian politics, silence can be a strategic move. It might signal restraint, calculation, or even the calm before a storm. As the debate intensifies, the question remains: will the APC stick to its old political conventions, or gamble on a new direction that could reshape Nigeria’s future? The decision could either strengthen the party or lead it into uncharted darkness. And as Nigeria teeters on this precipice, the world watches—ready for the next twist.
