2027: Drop Vice President Shettima as running mate, lose North-East bulk votes – APC Youths group warns

By Yemi Shola, Bauchi

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a political pressure group within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in the North East go-political zone, Youth Parliament, has strongly warned that if Sen Kashim Shettima was dropped as Vice Presidential candidate, the All Progressives Congress (APC), will risk losing bulk of the votes from the go-political zone.

The group therefore warned against spreading rumours suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate, describing such moves as “dangerous, divisive, and capable of weakening the ruling party.”

The group stated that it had observed with concern the growing circulation of reports in sections of the media alleging that President Tinubu is considering dropping Shettima in favour of a Northern Christian candidate, allegedly to address criticisms of the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted during the 2023 elections.

Speaking to Journalists in Bauchi on Monday, Chairman of the APC Youth Parliament, Kabiru Garba Kobi, dismissed the rumours as a deliberate attempt to sow discord within the APC and undermine both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.

According to Kobi, those behind the speculation are pursuing personal and external political interests rather than the unity and stability of the party.

“Any attempt to replace Senator Kashim Shettima will be a grave political error that could cost President Tinubu massive support in the North, particularly the North-East,” Kabiru Kobi warned.

He noted that despite renewed political discussions suggesting that President Tinubu is assessing names such as former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, Defence Minister Lt-Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, such speculations remain distractions driven by political opportunists.

Kabiru Kobi acknowledged that the 1999 Constitution gives the President the freedom to choose a running mate from any part of the country, but insisted that political wisdom, loyalty, and electoral realities must guide such decisions.

“Everything required of a deputy, loyalty, dedication, courage, political experience, and grassroots support, Senator Kashim Shettima has demonstrated beyond doubt,” he said.

The APC Youth Parliament Chairman stressed that Shettima remains the most unifying political figure in the North-East and a bridge between the region and the rest of the country.

“Kashim Shettima is the man who can mobilise the North and deliver the votes President Tinubu needs in 2027. Those calling for his replacement did not contribute meaningfully to the APC’s victory in 2023. Some of them actively worked against Tinubu at the time,” Kabiru Kobi added.

He further cautioned President Tinubu against listening to voices that were neither loyal to the party nor invested in its success. “We appeal to Mr President not to be distracted by those who were never part of the struggle. Holding firmly to Shettima is the surest path to victory in 2027,” he said.

Kabiru Kobi declared that the APC Youth Parliament would resist any attempt to sabotage the Tinubu/Shettima ticket, insisting that the party’s strength in continuity, trust, and proven leadership.

Describing Vice President Shettima as a visionary, humble, and patriotic leader, Kobi said his resilience and leadership style continue to inspire young Nigerians across the country.

He likened Shettima’s political impact in the North-East to that of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, noting that youths in the region see him as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and national unity.

The APC Youth Parliament Chairman warned that undermining Shettima’s position ahead of 2027 would not only divide the party but also alienate millions of Northern voters whose support remains critical to the APC’s electoral success.