As Nigeria edges toward the pivotal 2027 general elections, there is a growing need for the North to assert its strategic voice in shaping the future of this great nation. While many names are being floated in the emerging political discourse, one name continues to stand out—not for noise, but for depth, dignity, and distinction: Kashim Shettima.
By Nalami Yarambaba
Currently serving as Nigeria’s Vice President, Shettima’s political journey offers more than credentials—it tells the story of leadership grounded in resilience, empathy, and intellectual prowess. For a region often called upon to balance national interests with regional pride, Shettima offers the kind of representation that is not only credible but deeply consequential.
Leadership forged in crisis
Kashim Shettima’s emergence into national consciousness was not paved by convenience but carved through crisis. As Governor of Borno State during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency, he bore the weight of tragedy with a rare blend of strength and sensitivity. He stood with grieving families, kept the wheels of government turning, and—most importantly—never lost sight of the value of human dignity.
In a nation seeking leaders who can manage complexity without losing their humanity, Shettima remains a sterling example. The North has every reason to stand firmly behind such a leader.
The bridge Nigeria needs
Beyond his Northern roots, Shettima is one of the few political figures who has consistently acted as a bridge between regions, religions, and realities. His partnership with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023 was instrumental not just in electoral victory but in building trust across cultural and political divides.
This is not mere symbolism; it is statesmanship. In a country often burdened by fragile unity, Shettima’s ability to engage across divides makes him a rare asset. His calm demeanor, articulate expression, and firm grasp of policy continue to earn him respect from both northern elders and southern power brokers.
A thinker in power
Too often, politics is reduced to populism. But Shettima is not just a man of the people—he is a man of ideas. His background in economics and banking, coupled with his strategic mind, gives him an edge in governance conversations that require more than rhetoric. As Vice President, he has brought a quiet effectiveness to economic policy, national security discussions, and conflict mediation.
He doesn’t chase headlines, but his influence is felt in boardrooms, backchannels, and policy circles. This is the kind of intellect the North should continue to entrust with national representation.
A Northern candidate with a national soul
The 2027 election should not be about reinventing the wheel; it should be about consolidating gains and preserving balance. For the North, representing Kashim Shettima as running mate to President Tinubu is not just a political strategy—it is a statement of continuity, competence, and cohesion.
Backing Shettima ensures that Northern interests remain well-articulated within the presidency. But more than that, it affirms the North’s commitment to a Nigeria that works—where merit, not sentiment, drives representation.
A call to the Northern political class
The time is now for Northern leaders—governors, elders, youth movements, and traditional institutions—to unify in support of a tested leader who brings both head and heart to governance. Kashim Shettima has earned his place at the table—not by entitlement but by service.
In 2027, the North must not gamble with its representation. It must present a figure who not only understands the region’s peculiarities but also speaks a language the entire nation understands: unity, empathy, and progress. In Kashim Shettima, we have that figure.
Let us not miss the moment. Let us rally behind a veritable representative who has never wavered in his commitment to Nigeria.
Yarambaba is a political affairs commentator and columnist focused on governance, inclusion, and regional development.
