APC group to Tinubu: You’ll lose 80% of northern Muslim votes if Shettima is replaced

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum says President Bola Tinubu risks losing 80 percent of northern Muslims’ votes if he replaces Vice-President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the 2027 election.

Over the past few weeks, the APC has been in mild turmoil over the fear that Shettima may not return as Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

In June, the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ summit in Gombe descended into chaos after some speakers endorsed Tinubu for a second term without mentioning Shettima.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Saleh Zazzaga, chairman of the forum, asked Tinubu to keep Shettima as his running mate, pointing to their joint victory in the 2023 polls.

He contended that those pushing for Shettima’s removal never supported Tinubu in the last election and would not back him in 2027, regardless of any change.

“Those that are calling on President Bola Tinubu to change Vice President Kashim Shettima, basing their agitation on the Muslim-Muslim ticket, if you check, you will notice that in 2023, most of their communities voted for Peter Obi of the Labour Party,” he said.

Zazzaga dismissed concerns that the Muslim-Muslim ticket could hurt the party in the Middle Belt, noting that influential Christians from the region already occupy top positions in Tinubu’s government, including Nentawe Yilwatda, APC national chairman, and George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation.

“The Muslim-Muslim ticket will not affect President Bola Tinubu’s chances in the Middle Belt. We can guarantee that Tinubu will get 90 percent of the votes from the North-Central,” he said.

“We advise Mr President not to gamble with the 2023 election. President Tinubu will lose 80 percent of northern Muslim votes if he decides to change Shettima.”

Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, had said Tinubu would choose his 2027 running mate after the next convention of the ruling party.

Onanuga added that in a presidential system, the candidate is nominated before selecting a running mate.