Mumuni Warns APC Against Dropping Shettima

Mumuni Warns APC Against Dropping Shettima

As Nigeria looks toward the 2027 general election, concerns are rising within the ruling APC over moves linked to religious balance and the future of the current leadership ticket.

The debate centres on Vice President Kashim Shettima and growing speculation about his place in the next race.

The warning came from APC chieftain and security expert Abayomi Mumuni, who said dropping Shettima for religious reasons would be a dangerous political gamble.

He argued that the vice president remains a strong voice for the North and plays a key role in mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu across regions.

Mumuni spoke after Shettima’s image was missing from a banner at the APC North East zonal public hearing on constitutional amendments, an incident that fuelled talk of an internal plot to replace him.

He said such signals risk sending the wrong message to party supporters and could weaken confidence ahead of the polls.

According to him, the idea of swapping Shettima for a Christian running mate ignores current political realities, noting that no northern Christian figure presently commands the same level of grassroots backing and national reach needed to strengthen the ticket. He warned that electoral calculations, not emotions, should guide decisions of that scale.

Mumuni added that keeping the Tinubu–Shettima alliance intact offers stability, policy continuity, and party unity, while sudden changes could trigger internal rifts and slow governance. He urged APC leaders to seek broader inclusion through appointments and dialogue rather than risking division at a critical time.