As the All Progressives Congress (APC) gears up for the 2027 general elections, a storm brews within its ranks—one that could have serious consequences for its electoral future. The party’s consideration of replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima as the running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ignited widespread concern, particularly after the recent North-East APC Zonal Meeting.
This move, while still speculative, threatens to deepen the APC’s credibility crisis and alienate a vital voter bloc in the North-East—a region long considered a stronghold for the party.
Shettima: A symbol of northern loyalty
Kashim Shettima is more than just a sitting vice president. As a former governor of Borno State and a political heavyweight in the North-East, his presence on the APC ticket is a symbol of trust and recognition for a region that has endured both security and economic challenges.
For many in the North-East, Shettima represents a familiar and reliable figure who understands the terrain—someone who has earned political capital through service and loyalty. Removing him from the ticket would not only appear unjustified but potentially insulting to a base that the APC heavily relies upon.
Zonal backlash: A signal of deeper discontent
The backlash at the North-East APC Zonal Meeting was swift and emphatic. Party loyalists expressed outrage—not merely because Shettima might be replaced, but because such a decision hints at a disconnect between the party leadership and its grassroots support.
In a region where political allegiance is often built on trust, such perceived betrayals do not go unnoticed. The reaction underscores broader dissatisfaction within the party and a fear that APC’s leadership is becoming increasingly tone-deaf to the sentiments of its Northern base.
A credibility crisis in the making
The APC is already grappling with public skepticism, largely due to governance challenges and unmet expectations under the Tinubu administration. Against this backdrop, the decision to replace Shettima could be interpreted as an attempt to distract from real issues, rather than confront them head-on.
For a party that once marketed itself as a movement of integrity and progress, actions that suggest instability or opportunism could further erode its standing with the public.
“When political expediency is prioritized over loyalty and performance, credibility suffers—and so does voter confidence.”
The cost of undermining loyalty
Shettima’s potential removal sends an ominous message: that loyalty, competence, and long-term service can be easily discarded for short-term political calculations. This narrative is dangerous.
By appearing to sideline a credible figure, the APC risks internal divisions, morale breakdowns among party foot soldiers, and the perception that it lacks internal consistency. Such actions feed into opposition narratives that the APC is fractured, unstable, and untrustworthy.
Opening the door to the opposition
Political cohesion is the lifeblood of any ruling party, particularly one navigating an electoral cycle. The signs of factionalism that may arise from Shettima’s replacement could present a golden opportunity for opposition parties.
The opposition is watching closely, ready to capitalize on any signs of weakness or internal wrangling. A visibly divided APC heading into the 2027 elections would offer fertile ground for challengers to exploit—both at the national level and within Northern strongholds.
The strategic path forward
To maintain stability and avoid internal implosion, the APC must adopt a strategy anchored in loyalty, unity, and long-term vision. Retaining Shettima is more than a political decision—it is a recognition of the trust built between the party and a vital segment of the Nigerian electorate.
It is also a chance for the APC to demonstrate that it values continuity, reward for service, and grassroots loyalty over reactionary political maneuvering.
APC must choose between unity and expediency
The APC stands at a crossroads. One path honors commitment and trust, preserving unity and bolstering the party’s credibility. The other risks alienating loyal supporters, weakening the party from within, and handing its opponents a powerful weapon ahead of 2027.
Kashim Shettima’s place on the ticket should not be viewed solely as a tactical decision—it is a litmus test of whether the APC values the principles it once claimed to represent. In a time of rising political uncertainty, it is these decisions that define legacies—and determine victories.
