2027 Election: APC Faces Internal Power Struggle Over Shettima’s Vice Presidential Role

As the 2027 general election draws nearer, Vice President Kashim Shettima’s position is increasingly uncertain amid reports of political maneuvering within the All Progressives Congress (APC). Reliable sources from both the Presidency and the party have indicated that President Bola Tinubu may be considering a new running mate for the next election.

At the heart of this development are four northern governors and two senior lawmakers, all reportedly eyeing the vice-presidential slot.

Borno’s Dissent and Its Impact
The agitation to replace Shettima is linked to strong criticism of the Tinubu administration by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno and Senator Ali Ndume. Zulum has been especially vocal about policies he believes favor Lagos over the North and has not shied away from criticizing federal responses to insecurity in his state.

The situation escalated at a recent APC stakeholders’ meeting when Zulum objected to Shettima’s omission from Tinubu’s endorsement, leading to open protest from Shettima’s supporters.

Senator Ndume, another prominent Borno politician, has also been critical of the administration, prompting the APC to seek his removal from a key Senate leadership position.

A party source explained, “The perception is that he (Shettima) can’t rein in his allies, which reflects poorly on his leadership.”

Who Wants the Vice Presidency?
Governors from Yobe, Gombe, Kaduna, and Katsina, along with the Speaker of the House and the Deputy Senate President, are all rumored to be interested in the vice-presidential ticket. While their spokespeople have denied these ambitions, political observers believe the competition is intensifying.

Divisions Within APC Leadership
The debate over Shettima’s future has reportedly split the APC’s top leadership. Some are pushing for a new vice-presidential candidate, while others support maintaining the current ticket. The party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Duru, has downplayed the issue, emphasizing the President’s authority in selecting his running mate.

North-East’s Determination
The APC’s North-East Zonal Chairman, Mustapha Salihu, has stated that the region is committed to retaining the vice-presidential slot, insisting, “We are going to hold on to it and do everything to retain this seat through political consensus.”

The Political Stakes
A northern lawmaker has warned that removing Shettima could destabilize Tinubu’s support in the North, stressing the Vice President’s crucial role in the 2023 victory. As the 2027 elections approach, the battle for the vice presidency is expected to intensify within the APC.