2027: Shettima’s Future Sparks APC Tensions Ahead of Elections

A missing image at an APC event in Maiduguri has intensified speculation about Vice President Kashim Shettima’s political future ahead of the 2027 elections. At the North-East Zonal Public Hearing, Abdulkarim Lawan, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, noticed Shettima’s absence from the event banner and questioned it publicly, drawing applause from the audience.

“Why would the Vice President’s picture not be included in the banner?” Lawan asked, highlighting a growing unease within the party. The omission follows a similar incident in Gombe last year, but its occurrence in Shettima’s home state amid early 2027 political maneuvering has fueled concern.

Speculation is mounting within the APC that President Bola Tinubu may consider replacing Shettima on the ticket due to renewed debates over the Muslim–Muslim ticket and pressures regarding religious balancing.

Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, an APC chieftain, warned against the move, describing it as a risky political gamble. “The northern region currently lacks a Christian candidate with the political structure, grassroots acceptance, and national reach needed to compensate for Shettima’s electoral value,” he said. Mumuni added that Shettima’s loyalty and consistency are stabilizing forces for the party and that altering a winning ticket could disrupt cohesion and weaken APC’s chances in 2027.

In the North-East, dropping Shettima is seen as a betrayal. Kabiru Garba Kobi, chairman of the APC Youth Parliament, stressed that Shettima “remains the most unifying political figure in the North-East and a vital bridge between the region and the presidency,” warning that listening to opportunistic voices could harm the party’s fortunes.

The situation is further complicated by foreign scrutiny and internal pressures. Some insiders cite U.S. statements about religious persecution in Nigeria, while others argue that Nigeria’s security leadership already reflects diversity. Meanwhile, the North-Central APC Forum has publicly denied pushing for a Christian vice-presidential candidate, emphasizing their 2031 presidential ambitions instead.

Journalist Reuben Abati described the unfolding debate as “a potentially disruptive speculation… affecting the fortunes of the APC and the relationship between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.” Political analysts remain divided: Prof. Olusore Afuye suggested Tinubu may seek a Christian running mate from the North-Central region, while Engr. Arinze Cajet argued the decision stems from internal issues rather than the Muslim–Muslim ticket itself.

Vice President Shettima has remained publicly silent on the issue, leaving the APC to navigate a tense debate over loyalty, regional interests, and strategy as the 2027 elections approach.

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