5 Northern APC Politicians Who Could Replace Shettima in 2027

As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 elections, discussions are intensifying about the future of the APC’s leadership. One of the biggest questions is whether Vice President Kashim Shettima will remain on the ticket alongside President Bola Tinubu or if a new candidate will step in.

With shifting political alliances and regional interests shaping decisions, several Northern APC politicians have emerged as strong contenders for the vice-presidential role.

Their selection could redefine the party’s electoral strategy, influence voter appeal, and impact the balance of power in the next administration.

1. Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai

Nasir El-Rufai was Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. He earned the nickname “Mr. Demolition” by clearing slums, overhauling city plans, and reforming the civil service. Before that, he was Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) from 2003 to 2007, where he updated Abuja’s master plan and cut through red tape.

He has strong support in North-Central Nigeria, especially among young professionals and reform-minded voters. His mix of state and federal roles means he could step into the vice-presidential job smoothly. Voters who want fast, visible change respect his track record in improving roads, offices, and budgets, and his ties to both Christian and Muslim leaders give him broad support.

2. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is a veteran politician from Kano State. He served as Governor from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2015, delivering large-scale social programs, building new schools, and improving urban roads.

He was also Minister of Defence under President Obasanjo from 1999 to 2003, where he oversaw military training and logistics. After two Senate terms, his return to APC brings broad support across the North-West, especially in Kano’s vast electorate.

Kwankwaso’s mix of grassroots popularity and security credentials would boost the ticket’s appeal in a key swing state.

3. Danjuma Goje

Danjuma Goje has served as Senator for Gombe Central since 2011, and before that he was Governor of Gombe State from 2003 to 2011. In the Senate, he has led important committees on finance and budgets. He is known for quietly bringing rival politicians together and securing funds for projects back home.

Coming from the North-East, a key region for APC votes in 2023,Goje has deep ties to traditional rulers and local leaders. His skill in working with different branches of government would help the president get reforms passed, and his reputation as a peacemaker could cool any party disagreements over the ticket.

4. Ali Ndume

Ali Ndume has been Senator for Borno South since 2011, and he was Senate Majority Leader from 2015 to 2019 before chairing the Senate Committee on Defence. He has sponsored bills to improve the lives of people displaced by conflict, winning praise from charities and NGOs.

Known for his calm and steady style, he offers a reassuring presence in tense times. His strong connection to the North-East and his hands-on work with displaced communities make him relatable to voters affected by insecurity. Ndume’s focus on both defence and humanitarian issues matches the country’s urgent needs.

5. Isa Ali Pantami

Isa Pantami has led Nigeria’s digital push as Minister of Communications & Digital Economy since 2019. He expanded broadband access, rolled out the National Digital Identity, and helped launch 5 G. He also set up “Tech Hubs” in Northern states, training thousands of young people in coding and digital skills.

A native of Gombe State, he is popular with community elders and tech-savvy youth. By representing modernisation and job creation, Pantami could energise younger voters, while his religious background reassures more conservative Nigerians.

Why These Five?
Each candidate comes from one of the key northern zones North-Central, North-East, or North-West—helping keep the right regional balance if Tinubu picks a Southern running mate. Together, they cover the most urgent challenges facing Nigeria in 2027, from security and defence to digital growth and civil reform.

All five are long-time APC loyalists with proven records in state or federal roles and strong grassroots support. Their mix of skills, regional ties, and party loyalty makes them ready, able, and appealing choices to step into the vice-presidential role.

With the 2027 election approaching, President Tinubu will weigh these options carefully. His final pick will need to hold northern votes, back his policy plans, and keep the party united behind a winning ticket.