North-Central APC Forum Rejects Calls to Drop Shettima Ahead of 2027 Elections

The North Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has strongly opposed moves to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general election, describing such a move as a dangerous political miscalculation.

The Forum made its position known in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, amid growing speculation that some elements within the ruling party were pushing for a change in the vice presidential slot. The speculation gained momentum after Shettima’s photograph was reportedly omitted from a banner displayed during the APC North East zonal public hearing on the party’s constitutional amendment in Maiduguri.

The omission reignited debates over the future of the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket and the Vice President’s political standing. Some party stakeholders, particularly groups from the North-Central, have reportedly called for Shettima’s replacement with a Christian from the region in 2027.

However, the North-Central APC Forum dismissed such calls, warning that altering a “winning ticket” could cost the party dearly. The Forum stressed that the North-Central region is not lobbying for the vice-presidential position, noting instead that its political focus is on contesting the presidency in 2031.

The Forum cautioned against injecting religious considerations into political decisions, arguing that the North currently lacks a Christian candidate with the nationwide appeal, political structure, and grassroots support needed to complement Tinubu’s electoral strength. It added that abandoning the Muslim-Muslim ticket would only embolden the opposition and weaken the APC’s chances in 2027.

According to the Forum, replacing Shettima would not deliver additional votes for Tinubu but could instead result in significant losses in the North. It further argued that even if the opposition fields Peter Obi as its candidate, changing the vice-presidential ticket would not alter voting patterns in Tinubu’s favour.

The Forum also rejected claims that foreign pressure could influence the APC’s ticket, insisting that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation. It urged President Tinubu to retain Shettima to safeguard party unity and electoral success in 2027.

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