2027: Speculation Mounts Over Tinubu’s Running Mate as APC Weighs Political Calculations
By Wuddeama Manga// There is an unconfirmed report making the rounds that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seriously considering replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Two names have been repeatedly mentioned in the rumors: Simon Lalong, the former Governor of Plateau State, and Yakubu Dogara, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives. Both are Christians from Northern Nigeria, Lalong from the North-Central and Dogara from the North-East.
At the same time, there are reports that Vice President Shettima is doing everything within his political reach to remain President Tinubu’s running mate in 2027.
If this report eventually turns out to be true, it could become one of the biggest political calculations ahead of the election.
Keeping Shettima on the ticket would preserve the Muslim-Muslim ticket that helped APC secure significant support in parts of Northern Nigeria in 2023. Many of Shettima’s loyalists, especially in the North-East, may see his retention as a sign of political stability and reward for loyalty.
On the other hand, replacing Shettima with a Christian running mate could be an attempt to address criticisms of the Muslim-Muslim ticket and possibly improve APC’s appeal among Christian voters, particularly in the North-Central and other parts of the country.
However, such a move also carries political risks. It could leave some APC supporters in the North-East feeling sidelined, especially if they believe their region has lost one of its highest political offices.
Politics is always about balancing interests. Every major decision creates winners and losers.
The big question is this: Which option gives APC the better chance in 2027, retaining Shettima to consolidate its existing support base, or choosing a Christian running mate in an attempt to expand its electoral reach?
For now, these remain unconfirmed reports and political speculation. As the deadline for political parties to submit their candidates approaches, Nigerians will eventually know who emerges as the APC’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
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