Adebayo Shittu, former Minister of Communications under President Muhammadu Buhari, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against the idea of replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general election. Shittu issued this warning during a live interview on AIT’s Focus Nigeria on Friday, August 1, stating that such a move could seriously jeopardize Tinubu’s re-election chances.
Rising speculation in political circles has suggested that President Tinubu may consider a different running mate for his 2027 campaign. Although the Presidency has officially denied the rumors, Shittu said even the idea of discarding Shettima could “destabilize the political equilibrium” of the current administration.
The former minister praised Shettima’s intellect and contribution to governance, noting that he earned the VP slot on merit, not through legacy party ties or political sentiment. “Shettima didn’t ride on the coattails of ANPP history; he earned that role,” Shittu insisted. “To drop him now would be politically tone-deaf.”
Shittu argued that Vice President Shettima has demonstrated loyalty, competence, and strategic political balance within the Tinubu administration. He warned that any move to replace him could provoke dissent within the northern bloc and the ruling party’s grassroots structures, where Shettima commands significant influence.
Echoing wider concerns about internal party unity, Shittu suggested that rumors of a shake-up in the presidency could also damage voter trust. “You don’t punish a man who hasn’t committed any political or ethical offense,” he added. “That kind of betrayal sends the wrong message to loyal supporters.”
The Presidency has maintained that discussions on 2027 ticket choices are premature and that President Tinubu remains focused on governance. Still, Shittu urged the APC leadership to tread cautiously and avoid actions that could fracture the fragile alliance that brought Tinubu and Shettima to power.
With just over two years until the next election cycle intensifies, the debate surrounding Shettima’s political future is likely to gain momentum—especially with voices like Shittu’s raising the stakes.
