2027: Why Top Borno Politicians Want Shettima Replaced

A recent All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe, meant to project unity ahead of the 2027 elections, has instead exposed deepening tensions within the North-East political establishment — particularly over Vice President Kashim Shettima’s place on the presidential ticket.

Held on June 15, the meeting brought together key APC figures from the region to rally support for the continuation of the Tinubu/Shettima administration beyond 2027. But what began as a display of solidarity quickly turned chaotic when some party leaders, notably from Borno State — Shettima’s home base — openly expressed discontent and hinted at a desire to see him replaced as vice president in the next election cycle.

The trigger was the omission of Shettima’s name in a formal endorsement speech by Mustapha Salihu, the APC’s National Vice Chairman (North-East). While several governors had reaffirmed support for the Tinubu/Shettima ticket, Salihu’s failure to do so ignited a violent outburst from Borno delegates and other Shettima loyalists, who disrupted the event and attacked Salihu before security forces intervened.

Sources close to the party reveal that the incident was not spontaneous but the culmination of growing discontent among certain Borno political elites who feel sidelined by Shettima’s rise. These individuals, some of whom played roles in Shettima’s earlier political career, reportedly believe he has not done enough to reward or recognize their contributions since becoming vice president.

Their grievances, however, go beyond personal politics. Some argue that the North-East underperformed in the 2023 presidential election and should not automatically retain the vice presidency in 2027. Others are believed to be promoting their own allies as potential running mates to President Tinubu, hoping to secure more influence within the APC hierarchy.

But this effort to weaken Shettima’s position has drawn strong opposition from key APC stakeholders. Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Deputy National Chairman (North), dismissed the uproar as a “storm in a teacup” and insisted the Tinubu/Shettima ticket remains “non-negotiable.” He emphasized that the vice president has committed no wrongdoing and continues to enjoy the support of the party base.

Dr. Umar Duhu, a prominent APC figure in the North-East, called the attempt to replace Shettima “absurd” and accused the dissenters of betraying the loyalty of the region. He warned that removing Shettima would send a dangerous message of exclusion to a zone that has long made sacrifices for the unity and stability of the country.

Another senior APC member, speaking anonymously, compared the current situation to the Buhari/Osinbajo partnership in 2019, when both leaders were promoted equally and with mutual respect. He noted that Shettima’s near-erasure from current political messaging reflects an imbalance and a dangerous shift away from North-South collaboration.

The controversy also revived historical grievances. Dr. Hassan Zanna Boguma, Special Adviser to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, drew parallels between the current efforts to sideline Shettima and the marginalization of Babagana Kingibe in the 1993 Social Democratic Party (SDP) convention. He warned that the North-East would no longer accept being treated as a disposable ally.

Boguma accused some politicians in the North-West and North-Central of perpetuating a long-standing tradition of dominance at the expense of the North-East. “Shettima stood by the president when others doubted him. Any attempt to discard him now is not just unfair — it is reckless,” he said.

Also weighing in, Kabir Mohammed Wanori, a former Borno State Commissioner and APC chieftain, said attempts to remove Shettima are being orchestrated by those with bruised egos and fading political relevance. He added that the omission of Shettima’s name at multiple party functions, including the recent Democracy Day event in Yola, points to a deliberate attempt to diminish his political standing.

The fallout from the Gombe meeting has exposed more than just internal disagreements. It signals a deeper struggle within the APC over representation, loyalty, and power-sharing — one that may shape the party’s future heading into the 2027 elections.

Whether the campaign to replace Shettima will gain traction remains unclear. But for now, the North-East appears increasingly determined to defend its stake in national politics, with Vice President Shettima at the center of that resolve.