The race to become President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election has sparked fierce political competition among top northern politicians, despite the presidency’s announcement that Tinubu will make his choice after the All Progressives Congress (APC) convention.
Supporters of Vice President Kashim Shettima clashed with party officials at a recent North-East APC stakeholders’ meeting after the Vice Chairman, Mustapha Salihu, failed to endorse Shettima for a second term as Tinubu’s running mate. Angry party members threw chairs in protest.
Salihu later explained that endorsing Shettima would have meant the party had already decided on a running mate, which is the President’s responsibility.
“It would have been inappropriate to endorse the Vice President along with the President because it would pre-assume that he is the running mate,” Salihu said on Channels TV.
According to insiders in the APC and the presidency, political strategies are unfolding that may see Tinubu replace Shettima with another candidate for religious or regional balancing. Several northern governors, lawmakers, and a former House of Representatives Speaker are reportedly eyeing the vice-presidential slot.
A senior party official said the real battle is about who will succeed Tinubu in 2031.
“Those jostling to replace the VP as Tinubu’s running mate in 2027 are also planning to contest for the presidency in 2031. If Shettima is allowed to remain VP, he will have an advantage over others in the APC primaries,” the official told The PUNCH.
There are also claims that a top northern cabinet member close to the President may be positioned as his successor, which is why some within the party are pushing for Shettima to be dropped in 2027.
Adding another layer to the drama, some analysts believe the close friendship between First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Shettima’s wife could help the VP’s chances if he remains in office.
Meanwhile, heavy lobbying and consultations are ongoing, as northern politicians seek support from governors and APC leaders. There are reports that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was blocked from joining Tinubu’s government because of his own 2031 presidential ambition.
El-Rufai recently accused National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu of plotting to ruin his image.
“Nuhu Ribadu wants to be President in 2031. He has to eliminate every northerner that he thinks is on the radar,” El-Rufai said during an Arise TV interview.
Also Read:
- INEC Says ADA Not Yet Qualified to Become a Political Party
- 24 Lawmakers Dump PDP for APC in Akwa Ibom State Assembly
In the midst of these political moves, some APC leaders say it’s still too early to determine who Tinubu will pick. Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi, APC spokesman in Adamawa State, explained that the party does not endorse running mates.
“The President and governors have the right to pick whoever they want,” he said.
Usman Sugum, a former Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, also described the endorsement talk as premature.
“The party leadership and President Tinubu will decide on the best candidate to support the party’s victory when the time comes,” he said.
However, political analysts say the competition is normal. Professor Tunde Adeniran said, “There is nothing wrong with the jostle for political slots. It depends on the political party and individuals involved.”
Professor Shola Omotola agreed, saying, “There is no universally agreed-upon timetable on when to start politically-related events. Our politicians are always thinking of the next election.”
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who was named by a northern youth group as a possible VP candidate, has rejected the idea.
“This is not the time to be distracted by political permutations. What should matter now is the success of President Tinubu’s administration,” he said.
In Gombe State, the North-East Coalition of APC Support Groups endorsed former Speaker Yakubu Dogara as a suitable VP candidate for 2027. Dogara, a Christian from Bauchi State, had disagreed with Tinubu’s 2023 Muslim-Muslim ticket.
While Dogara has not responded to the endorsement, Senator Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has denied rumours that he is interested in the vice-presidential slot.
As the political temperature rises, it is clear that the contest for Tinubu’s running mate is just the beginning of a larger fight for the presidency in 2031.