Will APC Replace Tinubu’s 2027 Running Mate?

A political crisis is growing in the All Progressives Congress (APC) over Vice President Kashim Shettima’s position in the 2027 election. During a meeting in Gombe, supporters demanded that he stay on the ticket, and things nearly turned violent before security intervened.

The trouble started when APC North-East leader Mustapha Salihu praised President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid but didn’t mention Shettima. Some members saw this as a sign that Shettima could be replaced, leading them to threaten to support another party.

To calm things down, Deputy Chairman Ali Bukar Dalori assured members that Tinubu and Shettima’s partnership was “non-negotiable.” He questioned whether Salihu’s omission was intentional or just a mistake.

Weeks earlier, APC had officially endorsed Tinubu for 2027, highlighting his economic reforms. But some North-East leaders worried about Shettima being removed and urged Tinubu to keep him.

APC Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje condemned the conflict, saying politics should be about discussion, not violence. Salihu later clarified that only Tinubu can choose his running mate, dismissing any rumours about a party-wide decision.

Analysts warn that dropping Shettima could harm APC’s support in the North-East and strengthen the opposition. The party now faces a major challenge: stay united behind Tinubu’s choice or risk internal divisions that could impact the 2027 election.