A prominent figure of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abayomi Mumuni, has cautioned the party against replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such a move could threaten President Bola Tinubu’s chances of reelection.
Mumuni spoke on Wednesday while reacting to the controversy surrounding the absence of Shettima’s image on a banner displayed at the North-East Zonal Public Hearing on proposed amendments to the APC constitution.
The omission had fueled fresh speculation about an alleged plan to alter the party’s presidential ticket in 2027.
According to Mumuni, any attempt to drop Shettima, particularly on religious considerations, would be politically risky.
He argued that the North currently does not have a Christian politician with the required political influence, grassroots structure, and voter appeal to deliver significant electoral advantage for the party.
He warned that removing Shettima from the ticket could weaken the APC’s electoral strength and endanger its prospects of retaining power in 2027.
Mumuni further dismissed ongoing discussions about replacing the vice president with a Christian candidate in the name of religious balance, describing such conversations as poorly timed and strategically unsound.
He maintained that, at present, no northern Christian aspirant possesses the nationwide acceptance and political machinery necessary to effectively complement President Tinubu’s electoral base.
“Any miscalculation in this regard could jeopardise the winning ticket for the current administration,” Mumuni cautioned.
