Vice President Kashim Shettima may be facing a growing political threat to his position, as mounting reports suggest that he could be dropped as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Multiple credible sources within the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have disclosed that strategic power plays are already underway. Several influential blocs within the ruling party are reportedly lobbying behind the scenes to have Shettima replaced with an alternative northern candidate who can boost the party’s electoral chances and consolidate regional support.
Northern Governors and Key Lawmakers Eye VP Slot
Among those emerging as possible replacements are four prominent northern governors: Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Uba Sani of Kaduna, and Dikko Radda of Katsina. These governors are said to be quietly but strategically building influence within the party, with at least two of them believed to be openly interested in the vice-presidential slot.
“The interest of the Katsina governor is not hidden,” a senior party insider told Sunday Punch. “He’s actively being positioned by some powerful figures who believe the North West should retain its leverage in the next administration.”
Additionally, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, are also being considered as strong contenders. Both are reportedly backed by influential interest groups within the APC, especially those seeking a more assertive and politically agile deputy to support President Tinubu’s second-term ambitions.
Growing Concerns Within the APC About Shettima’s Performance
Despite having consistent access to President Tinubu and being a visible face of the administration, Shettima is reportedly struggling to command the level of political clout expected of a Vice President. According to sources within the APC, there are lingering concerns that Shettima has failed to demonstrate the “independent political capacity” needed to balance the ticket or assert influence in national policymaking.
“He meets with the President regularly, that’s not in question,” one senior APC chieftain said. “But many feel he lacks the initiative and leadership qualities that inspire confidence. He has not seized opportunities to carve out his own space in governance or party affairs.”
Critics within the party suggest that Shettima appears to be operating primarily “under instructions,” rather than as a strategic partner who can independently engage stakeholders, lead negotiations, or galvanize regional support.
What This Means for 2027
With internal permutations accelerating, the battle for the vice-presidential slot is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched developments ahead of the 2027 elections. Analysts believe that Shettima’s fate will largely hinge on how the North responds to his stewardship, the internal balance of power within the APC, and how effectively other contenders mobilize support from key political actors.
The final decision, however, is expected to rest with President Tinubu, whose 2027 ambitions are becoming clearer as the APC begins to unify around his second-term bid. Whether Shettima will be carried along or replaced remains one of the most suspenseful political subplots in Nigeria’s evolving electoral landscape.
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