In the bustling corridors of power in Abuja and the grand halls of international summits, one man has consistently stood tall beside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — Vice President Kashim Shettima. Calm, articulate, and resolutely loyal, Shettima has proven to be not only a reliable deputy but a statesman in his own right. From echoing the President’s vision on foreign soil to championing bold economic reforms at home, Shettima has quietly become the face of consistency and commitment in an administration navigating one of Nigeria’s most transformative periods.
By Nalami Yarambaba
In the often unpredictable world of politics, loyalty is a rare gem. But for Vice President Kashim Shettima, it’s not just a virtue — it’s a way of life. Quietly yet powerfully, Shettima has become the stabilizing force and dependable right-hand man to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Whether it’s stepping in at global summits, calming tensions at home, or articulating tough economic reforms with sincerity, Shettima’s performance in office has been defined by grace, discipline, and an unwavering belief in Nigeria’s future.
And now, as the 2027 general election draws near, many are beginning to see why keeping the Tinubu-Shettima team intact might be one of the wisest decisions Nigerians can make.
More than a Vice President — A reliable statesman
When President Tinubu chose Shettima as his running mate in 2023, some Nigerians saw it as a strategic political move. But over the last few years, Shettima has shown it was also a decision grounded in substance. Every time President Tinubu has needed someone to speak for Nigeria on the global stage, he’s called on one man — Shettima.
From Rome to St. Petersburg, Dallas to the United Nations, Shettima hasn’t just represented Nigeria — he’s embodied the vision of a government committed to building partnerships, restoring economic confidence, and repositioning Nigeria in the eyes of the world. At the 2023 Rome summit, while some leaders stumbled over big pledges and buzzwords, Shettima cut through the noise with a simple but powerful message: Nigeria wants partnerships that work for its people.
In Russia, he met global leaders face-to-face, advocating for new economic ties and better cooperation in food systems and energy. In Dallas at the US-Africa Business Summit, he pitched Nigeria as a land of potential — not in desperation, but with quiet confidence and strategic clarity. Everywhere he went, he carried Tinubu’s message of renewal and reform with conviction.
The calm in the storm of reforms
Back home, Shettima has not shied away from the difficult conversations. The Tinubu administration took some tough but necessary decisions early on — fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, among others. These were never going to be easy pills to swallow.
But when the criticisms poured in, it was Shettima who stepped forward to explain not just the “what,” but the “why.” He didn’t sugarcoat the challenges. “We had two options: either we get rid of subsidy or subsidy will get rid of the Nigerian nation,” he told an audience in 2024. It wasn’t rhetoric — it was reality, spoken with the honesty of a man who understands what’s at stake.
Even in the face of economic anxiety, Shettima remained optimistic. He reminded Nigerians that crude oil production was climbing again, inflation was being tackled, and the groundwork for long-term growth was being laid. In an era where leaders often spin tales, Shettima chose realism — and that’s what endeared him to many.
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Hands-on with development, eyes set on the future
More than speeches and policies, Shettima has backed his words with action. He has taken a personal interest in projects that matter. One standout is his push for renewable energy. In 2024, under his leadership, Nigeria’s sovereign fund partnered with a local firm to begin work on a 20-megawatt solar power plant — the pilot for a 300-megawatt energy plan. For a country struggling with erratic power supply and climate challenges, this was a bold, people-focused step.
Whether it’s visiting northern farms affected by climate change, championing tech innovation, or encouraging Nigerian youths to embrace entrepreneurship, Shettima has shown a deep understanding of the issues affecting ordinary Nigerians. He listens. He engages. And above all, he acts.
Why Nigerians should stand behind Shettima in 2027
So, why does all this matter heading into 2027?
- Because Shettima has proven himself. He’s not just occupying the vice-presidential seat — he’s using it. With every summit, policy push, or initiative he’s involved in, he adds value, not noise.
- Because loyalty matters. In a political climate often rocked by betrayal and internal chaos, Shettima has remained Tinubu’s strongest ally — never seeking the spotlight for himself but always ready to carry the President’s message with strength and clarity.
- Because continuity is key, Nigeria is on a delicate path of reform and rebuilding. Changing direction now could undo years of hard work. A second Tinubu-Shettima term means stability, progress, and deeper reforms.
- Because he represents hope with humility. He doesn’t speak above Nigerians — he speaks to them with sincerity. He understands poverty, resilience, and the dreams of the average Nigerian — and he’s shown he’s willing to work for those dreams.
A leader Nigeria can trust
Kashim Shettima is not the loudest politician in Nigeria. He’s not the one throwing around slogans or making empty promises. Instead, he does the work — traveling, negotiating, defending, and building.
He’s the kind of vice president every president hopes for — smart, loyal, efficient. But more importantly, he’s the kind of leader every Nigerian deserves — compassionate, courageous, and committed to a better future.
As 2027 approaches, Nigerians have a decision to make. Do we go back to the uncertainty of transition, or do we choose continuity with a team that has shown vision, strength, and genuine care?
The answer might just be in the quiet but powerful example of Kashim Shettima — the steady hand behind Tinubu’s vision for a greater Nigeria.
Yarambaba, a development analyst, writes from Minna, Niger state
