Abayomi Mumuni, a senior figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has cautioned against replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima on religious grounds ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mumuni was responding to controversies sparked by the omission of Shettima’s photograph from a banner at the North-East Zonal Public Hearing on proposed amendments to the APC constitution.
He noted that the northern region currently lacks a Christian political figure with the influence and following necessary to deliver significant electoral support. Mumuni warned that dropping Shettima could weaken the APC’s chances of retaining power.
Speculation has been growing about a possible plan to exclude Shettima from the party’s 2027 presidential ticket. Mumuni emphasized that replacing him with a Christian candidate, ostensibly to promote religious inclusivity, is not a strategically sound move in the present political environment.
“Any misstep in this regard could jeopardize the administration’s winning ticket,” he said, highlighting the importance of Shettima’s role in complementing President Bola Tinubu’s electoral appeal.
