APC Chieftain Warns Against Dropping Shettima Over Religion Ahead of 2027 Polls

|By Chinwendu Nwani

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abayomi Mumuni, has cautioned the party against any move to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima on religious grounds ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such a decision could weaken the party’s electoral prospects.

Mumuni spoke on Wednesday amid 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.

Reacting to the development, Mumuni dismissed speculations of a plan to drop Shettima from the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, describing the idea as politically risky and strategically unsound.

He argued that the northern region currently lacks a Christian candidate with the political clout, grassroots strength, and nationwide appeal required to complement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s electoral base.

According to him, pushing for a replacement under the guise of religious balancing could undermine the APC’s chances of retaining power in 2027.

Mumuni stressed that discussions about substituting Shettima with a Christian vice-presidential candidate do not align with present political realities, noting that any miscalculation could cost the ruling party crucial support.

“Any miscalculation in this regard could jeopardise the winning ticket for the current administration,” he warned.