Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, a security expert and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has warned against calls to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima before the 2027 general elections, claiming that doing so could make it more difficult for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to win a second term.
Mumuni stated that any decision about the party’s presidential ticket should be based on political calculations rather than sentiment.
Mumuni, who was a member of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council’s intelligence and security team during the 2023 election, reportedly said that proposals to replace the vice president on religious grounds were politically dangerous.
He maintained that discussions concerning the introduction of a Christian vice presidential candidate to allay worries about religious balance might not be in line with the political climate of today.
He claims that there isn’t currently a Christian contender in the North with the national appeal and grassroots power needed to supplement President Tinubu’s support base.
“Political calculations and electoral realities, not sentiment, must guide decisions of this magnitude,” Mumuni stated.
Speaking on Wednesday, the APC leader addressed the controversy surrounding the removal of Vice President Shettima’s picture off a banner at the North-East Zonal Public Hearing on the APC constitution revision.
Public conjecture over the party’s 2027 ticket and potential modifications to the current political structure has been triggered by the occurrence.
Vice President Shettima has demonstrated devotion to President Tinubu and is still dedicated to the administration’s strategic agenda, Mumuni emphasized.
He pointed out that consistent leadership frequently fosters political stability and improves efficient governance.
He claims that changing the vice presidential position at this point could create confusion in the public sphere and inside the ruling party, particularly as the administration continues to implement its agenda.
Mumuni advised APC leaders to look for different ways to promote inclusion without upsetting the current ticket, even as she acknowledged the validity of calls for greater representation.
He proposed that inclusivity might be strengthened without undermining the party by strategically appointing competent people with a track record of success and widespread support.
Additionally, the APC leader cautioned against making direct analogies between the political climate in Nigeria and advancements in other democracies, such as the US.
According to him, Nigeria’s political environment necessitates answers that are specific to its social and political circumstances.
Mumuni listed some obstacles to replacing the vice president, such as internal party conflicts, alignment issues, and the requirement for a new running partner to foster cooperation and trust.
During a crucial political time, he continued, such a shift might also have an impact on administrative effectiveness and policy coordination.
As 2027 election preparations get up steam, Mumuni insisted that keeping the Tinubu–Shettima ticket is still the best course of action.
He urged APC stakeholders to give unity, internal cohesiveness, and governance delivery top priority.
“The country’s interests will be best served by maintaining cohesion and prioritizing effective governance,” he stated.
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