The recent statement by the North-Central APC Forum warning President Bola Tinubu against dropping Vice President Kashim Shettima in 2027 raises more questions than answers. Has Shettima, the man at the center of this controversy, actually asked the Forum to speak on his behalf? Or is this just a greedy, politically motivated attempt by Northern APC leaders to block the legitimate dreams of the South East and South South for the presidency?
Who’s Really Speaking for Shettima?
It’s hard to believe that Vice President Shettima, a seasoned politician and current deputy president of Nigeria, would authorize such an ultimatum — threatening that Tinubu could lose up to 80% of northern Muslim votes if he chooses a different running mate.
Why should Shettima’s political fate be weaponized by a regional APC Forum? Is this a genuine reflection of his stance, or is it a show of force by Northern APC power brokers trying to maintain their grip on political power? The silence from Shettima’s camp on this matter is telling.
Greed Over National Unity
The Northern APC Forum’s statement reeks of greed and entitlement — dismissing the South East and South South’s aspirations to produce the next Nigerian president. This attitude is both short-sighted and disrespectful to the principle of federal character and power rotation that Nigerians expect.
Let’s not forget that President Muhammadu Buhari, who just completed two terms, also hails from the North. Should the North continue to dominate the presidency indefinitely? Why should the Southeast and South South — regions that make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s population and economic power — be continually sidelined?
Ignoring the Will of the People
The APC Forum argues that those advocating for a change in running mate “did not support Tinubu in 2023” and therefore won’t vote for him anyway. This dismisses millions of Nigerians who desire true inclusivity and fairness in leadership, especially from the South East and South South.
Are regional blocs now expected to dictate presidential tickets based on ethnic and religious calculations alone, without considering national unity and the aspirations of all Nigerians? This kind of politics will only deepen divisions and breed resentment.
President Tinubu faces a serious leadership test ahead of 2027. Will he bow to narrow regional demands that threaten to alienate large parts of the country? Or will he dare to embrace true power sharing — giving the South East or South South a chance at the presidency?
If the APC continues to play regional politics this way, it risks repeating the mistakes of the past, weakening its chances and Nigeria’s unity.
The Northern APC Forum’s statement sounds less like a political warning and more like a regional threat wrapped in entitlement. It’s time for Vice President Kashim Shettima to clarify his position and for President Tinubu to reject greed in favor of national inclusiveness.
Nigeria’s future depends on leaders who listen to all regions, not just those shouting the loudest or holding onto power the longest.
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