By Khalid Idris Doya The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Parliament has cautioned against rumours suggesting that President Bola Ah...
By Khalid Idris Doya
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Parliament has cautioned against rumours suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing such speculation as divisive, dangerous, and capable of weakening the ruling party.
The group said it was concerned about reports circulating in some media outlets claiming that President Tinubu is considering dropping Shettima in favour of a Northern Christian candidate, allegedly to address criticisms of the Muslim–Muslim ticket adopted during the 2023 elections.
Speaking to journalists in Bauchi on Monday, the Chairman of the APC Youth Parliament, Kabiru Garba Kobi, dismissed the rumours as deliberate attempts to sow discord within the party and undermine both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.
According to Kobi, those behind the speculation are driven by personal or external political interests rather than the unity and stability of the APC.
"Any attempt to replace Senator Kashim Shettima will be a grave political error that could cost President Tinubu massive support in the North, particularly the North-East," Kobi warned.
He acknowledged that despite renewed political discussions suggesting that President Tinubu may be considering figures such as former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Defence Minister Lt-Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, these speculations are distractions promoted by political opportunists.
Kobi noted that while the 1999 Constitution grants the President freedom to choose a running mate from any part of the country, political wisdom, loyalty, and electoral realities should guide such decisions.
"Everything required of a deputy—loyalty, dedication, courage, political experience, and grassroots support—Senator Kashim Shettima has demonstrated beyond doubt," he said.
The APC Youth Parliament Chairman stressed that Shettima remains the most unifying political figure in the North-East and a bridge between the region and the rest of the country.
"Shettima is the man who can mobilise the North and deliver the votes President Tinubu needs in 2027. Those calling for his replacement did not contribute meaningfully to the APC’s victory in 2023; some actively worked against Tinubu at the time," Kobi added.
He urged President Tinubu to ignore voices that are neither loyal to the party nor invested in its success. "We appeal to Mr President not to be distracted by those who were never part of the struggle. Holding firmly to Shettima is the surest path to victory in 2027," Kobi said.
He further declared that the APC Youth Parliament would resist any attempt to undermine the Tinubu/Shettima ticket, citing the party’s strength in continuity, trust, and proven leadership.
Describing Shettima as a visionary, humble, and patriotic leader, Kobi said his resilience and leadership style continue to inspire young Nigerians across the country. He likened Shettima’s political impact in the North-East to that of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, noting that youths in the region view him as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and national unity.
Kobi warned that any attempt to weaken Shettima’s position ahead of the 2027 elections would not only divide the party but also risk alienating millions of Northern voters whose support remains critical to the APC’s electoral success.
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