According to a NewsVista political correspondent, fresh tension is brewing within Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as speculation mounts over a possible change to the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election. At the heart of the conversation is whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate.
Although no official statement has been issued, sources within key APC power circles reveal that Shettima’s position is quietly “under review.” Three unfolding developments suggest that the vice president may be on shaky ground as political calculations shift toward 2027.
One major factor fueling the conversation is the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted by the APC in 2023. While it helped deliver victory, it also triggered nationwide debate—particularly among Nigeria’s Christian population. Now, many northern Christian stakeholders are urging Tinubu to adopt a more balanced Muslim-Christian ticket in 2027 to ease religious tensions and broaden the party’s appeal.
Analysts believe such a change could unlock support from Christian-majority states in the North like Plateau, Benue, and Taraba—regions that felt alienated by the 2023 configuration. This shift in strategy could naturally place Shettima, a Muslim from the Northeast, at risk of being replaced.
Adding to the pressure is a rising political movement within the North Central zone. Groups like the North Central Renaissance Movement argue that their region has been consistently overlooked in Nigeria’s power dynamics and now deserves a shot at the vice presidency. Their message is clear: support in 2023 must translate to tangible leadership roles in 2027.
Beyond these demands, insiders say Shettima’s national influence is not what it once was. During the 2023 campaign, he was seen as a strategic pillar in the APC’s northern outreach. But two years into the administration, some observers believe his visibility and political clout have waned—raising concerns about the APC’s strength in the North moving forward.
In response to the swirling rumors, former APC Board of Trustees member Ismaeel Ahmed dismissed the claims as “malicious and unfounded.” According to him, President Tinubu remains committed to his partnership with Shettima and is not considering any changes to the ticket.
Still, the whispers are growing louder behind closed doors. As the political landscape begins to take shape for 2027, party insiders and regional power brokers are already realigning—and Shettima’s place in the next equation remains a hot topic.
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