Presidency Divided Over Tinubu’s 2027 Running Mate as APC Weighs Options

Fresh indications have emerged that the Presidency and key figures within the ruling party are facing a difficult decision over who will emerge as the running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Sources within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) revealed that discussions within the presidency and party leadership have intensified, with multiple options reportedly being considered regarding the future of Vice-President Kashim Shettima on the 2027 ticket.

Investigations indicate that while there has been no open disagreement between President Tinubu and Shettima, insiders say political strategists around the president had concluded more than a year ago that the president might not seek re-election alongside his current deputy.

Quiet Political Tensions

According to party insiders, the matter has been handled cautiously to avoid creating visible divisions within the government.

While the exact reasons behind the alleged plan remain unclear, sources suggest the considerations range from political strategy to broader electoral calculations ahead of the 2027 polls.

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Despite the speculation, Vice-President Shettima is said to have remained firm and has not shown any indication that he is willing to step aside.

Some sources within the presidency disclosed that Shettima has continued to carry out his responsibilities normally, while his supporters insist there has been no justification presented for replacing him on the ticket.

One insider said the issue has become delicate because removing the vice-president without clear justification could generate political backlash within certain northern political blocs.

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Concerns Over 2031 Succession

One of the major concerns reportedly shaping the debate within Tinubu’s political camp is the issue of succession in 2031.

According to sources, some strategists fear that retaining Shettima as vice-president in 2027 could make it difficult to replace him as the natural successor when President Tinubu completes his second term.

Political calculations within the camp reportedly favour keeping the option open for another northern candidate to emerge as successor after Tinubu’s tenure.

Even in a scenario where circumstances compel the president to retain Shettima for 2027, insiders say the presidency may still prefer another northern political figure to take over the party’s presidential ticket in 2031.

Religious Balance Debate

Another issue being quietly discussed within APC circles is the question of religious balance on the presidential ticket.

The 2023 election saw the ruling party field a Muslim-Muslim ticket featuring Tinubu and Shettima, a decision that generated significant controversy and protests in several parts of the country.

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Political analysts believe that the controversy surrounding the ticket contributed to protest votes that boosted support for Peter Obi of the Labour Party during the 2023 presidential election.

Some party insiders have therefore suggested that adopting a Christian running mate in 2027 could help ease religious tensions and broaden the party’s appeal across the country.

However, others argue that finding a strong northern Christian politician capable of mobilising massive votes across the northern region remains a major challenge.

Possible Names Being Considered

Among the names reportedly mentioned in political discussions is former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.

Dogara, a Christian from Bauchi State, is seen by some strategists as a possible candidate who could help restore religious balance to the ticket.

However, insiders say his main political limitation is that he comes from a minority ethnic group within the state, raising doubts about his ability to mobilise widespread support across the northern region.

Other sources suggest that President Tinubu may instead favour another Muslim candidate from the North-East to replace Shettima if a change becomes necessary.

One name frequently mentioned in these discussions is Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, who some observers believe enjoys considerable respect across the northern region due to his professional military background.

Political Sensitivity of the Issue

Sources say the political complexity of the situation is further heightened by the strong support Shettima enjoys among the Kanuri political bloc in the North-East.

“The Kanuris are united around the vice-president,” one insider explained, noting that removing him without a clear reason could trigger political resistance within the region.

The source added that so far, no specific allegations or criticisms have been raised publicly against the vice-president within the presidency.

As a result, many of his supporters believe there is no valid reason for him to be replaced on the ticket.

Internal Party Anxiety

Within the APC, the issue is reportedly causing unease among some party leaders and political allies.

Sources revealed that members of Shettima’s political camp are particularly uneasy about the role of the party’s national chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, whose name has also surfaced in political discussions as a potential replacement for the vice-president.

According to insiders, the situation has contributed to the quiet political tension currently noticeable within the party.

One source said the silence surrounding the issue reflects the political “headache” the ruling party is facing as it attempts to resolve the matter without creating internal divisions ahead of the party primaries.

APC Leaders Proceed Cautiously

Despite the internal challenges, the APC leadership is reportedly maintaining a cautious approach as it prepares for the next election cycle.

Party strategists are said to be carefully weighing their options, especially given the need to maintain unity within the party while also positioning it strongly for the 2027 presidential race.

Sources noted that although the ruling party has succeeded in bringing a large number of state governors into its political fold, the leadership is still proceeding carefully to avoid destabilising internal power balances.

For now, the question surrounding President Tinubu’s 2027 running mate remains unresolved, with political observers expecting the issue to become clearer as the next election cycle approaches.