A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abayomi Mumuni, has cautioned against any move to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima on religious grounds ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His warning follows growing controversies after Shettima’s photograph was reportedly omitted from a banner displayed at the North-East Zonal Public Hearing on proposed amendments to the APC constitution.
Mumuni spoke on Wednesday, expressing concern that the omission had fuelled speculations about a potential plan to remove Shettima from the party’s 2027 presidential ticket. He argued that such actions could destabilise the APC’s electoral strategy and weaken its chances of retaining power.
The APC chieftain also dismissed the notion of replacing Shettima with a Christian candidate as a way to address religious inclusivity.
He stated that the North currently lacks a Christian political figure with the necessary clout, followership, and national appeal to deliver significant votes and strengthen the party’s ticket.
Mumuni emphasised that any attempt to drop Shettima could backfire, warning that a wrong decision at this stage could jeopardise the APC’s prospects in the 2027 election. “Any miscalculation in this regard could jeopardise the winning ticket for the current administration,” he said.
His comments come amid ongoing speculation within political circles about the APC’s final choice for the vice-presidential slot, as the party prepares for the next electoral cycle.