The Digest:
The All Progressives Congress is facing internal division over the political future of Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections. Tensions flared publicly when Shettima's image was conspicuously omitted from a party banner at a North-East zonal hearing in Maiduguri, an act perceived by many, including Borno State House Speaker Abdulkarim Lawan, as a deliberate slight. The incident has amplified speculation that President Bola Tinubu may consider replacing Shettima on the ticket, partly due to debates around the Muslim-Muslim ticket and external pressure for religious balancing. While some warn that dropping Shettima would be a dangerous betrayal that could cost the party crucial Northern support, others suggest the decision may already be made.
Key Points:
- The debate risks alienating the North-East, a key support base, and could fracture party unity ahead of a major election.
- The issue tests the party's handling of religious and regional balancing, a perennial challenge in Nigerian politics.
- Any move to replace Shettima would be seen as a major political demotion, potentially creating a powerful internal adversary.
- The speculation distracts from governance and forces the party into a defensive, internal debate earlier than necessary.
- The outcome will signal whether electoral calculations or loyalty and established political partnerships will dominate the APC's succession planning.
The brewing storm over Shettima's fate presents a significant early test of cohesion and strategy for the ruling party as the 2027 election cycle approaches.
Sources: Vanguard Newspapers
