A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress, Abayomi Mumuni, has cautioned against replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima on religious grounds ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. Mumuni’s statement comes in response to controversy surrounding the omission of Vice President Shettima’s photograph from a banner displayed at the North-East Zonal Public Hearing on the amendment of the APC constitution.
According to Mumuni, the North currently lacks a Christian candidate with the necessary political influence and followership to deliver substantial electoral support. He believes that dropping Shettima could compromise the APC’s chances of retaining power in the upcoming elections. There have been speculations about a possible plan to drop Shettima from the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, sparking concerns about religious representation.
Mumuni argued that discussions about replacing Shettima with a Christian vice-presidential candidate, aimed at addressing concerns about religious inclusivity, are not strategically sound in the current political climate. He emphasized that the northern region currently lacks a Christian candidate with sufficient grassroots support and nationwide appeal to complement President Bola Tinubu’s electoral strength. Any miscalculation in this regard could jeopardize the winning ticket for the current administration, Mumuni warned.
The controversy surrounding Shettima’s potential replacement highlights the complexities of religious politics in Nigeria. The country has a long history of balancing religious representation in government, with the ruling party often seeking to maintain a delicate balance between Muslim and Christian candidates. As the 2027 elections approach, the APC will need to navigate these complexities to maintain its electoral advantage.
The APC’s decision on Shettima’s candidacy will have significant implications for the party’s electoral strategy and its ability to retain power. With the opposition already criticizing the party’s handling of religious representation, the APC will need to tread carefully to avoid alienating key voting blocs. As the debate over Shettima’s candidacy continues, the party’s leadership will need to weigh the potential risks and benefits of replacing him, considering the potential impact on their electoral fortunes.
