2027: ‘Dropping Shettima Would Have Been Politically Catastrophic For APC’ 

Kano State-based political analyst, Aminu Rabiu, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) believes its Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket remains a winning formula ahead of the 2027 general election.

Naija News recalled that the APC recently announced that President Bola Tinubu has retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

In an interview with Daily Post, Aminu said Tinubu’s decision to retain Shettima signals unity, continuity and confidence within the ruling party.

Aminu emphasised that the decision also shows that the party believes keeping the same ticket will improve its chances of retaining power in 2027.

According to him, dropping Shettima would have been politically catastrophic for the ruling APC.

He said, “It means there is relative understanding, cohesion and unity within the ruling APC.

“It means that continuing with Kashim Shettima is more rewarding than dropping him. Dropping Shettima would have been politically catastrophic for the ruling APC.

“It signals continuity. It signals unity. Returning Kashim Shettima will be more rewarding and will not cost the party its bid to retain power in 2027.

“The calculation of the Muslim-Muslim ticket is still relevant and will help them win again in 2027. It will still fetch them a large number of votes in both the North and the southern part of Nigeria.

“Politics is calculation. If they knew it would not favour them, they would not do it. If the result would be catastrophic, they would have changed the calculation.”

Speaking on the widespread speculation before the announcement, Aminu said neither Tinubu, Shettima, nor the APC had publicly discussed whether the vice president would be retained or replaced.

He noted that many Christian members of the APC had pushed for a change to a Muslim-Christian ticket in the interest of fairness and religious balance.

He stated, “There were many speculations because neither Tinubu, Shettima, nor the APC ever spoke directly about dropping or retaining Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 election.

“There were many speculations, especially from Christian members of the APC. They wanted the party to maintain balance, fairness, justice and unity by choosing a Christian running mate.”