Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against considering a change of running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such a move could pose a serious threat to his re-election chances.
Speaking during an interview on AIT’s Focus Nigeria, Shittu emphasized that Vice President Kashim Shettima has performed admirably and deserves to remain on the ticket for the next presidential election.
His remarks come amid growing speculation that President Tinubu may replace Shettima as his vice-presidential candidate in 2027—a claim the presidency has since denied, asserting that such decisions would be addressed at the appropriate time during the official campaign season.
Shittu, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, maintained that Shettima earned his position on merit, not merely through political alliances or party lineage.
“Shettima was not nominated as vice president because of any past association with the ANPP. He got it on merit,” Shittu stated. “He is a very intelligent and capable vice president. I would vote for him any day. I don’t understand the basis for anyone thinking otherwise.”
The former minister further warned that any move to sideline Shettima could destabilize the Tinubu administration and risk alienating key political blocs.
“It would bring a lot of disruption if that move is made,” he cautioned. “It could endanger the possibility of President Tinubu securing a second term. You don’t punish someone who hasn’t done anything wrong.”
Shittu urged the presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to act with caution and avoid decisions that could fracture the party’s internal cohesion ahead of a critical election year.
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