APC leader cautions against replacing VP Shettima with Northern Christian, citing strategy and northern support for 2027
A chieftain of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Ayamelum, Anambra State, Ichie Ferdinand Iloduba, has advised the party against plans to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima with a Northern Christian ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Speaking to Legit.ng, Iloduba, a foundation member of APC and part of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, argued that replacing Shettima because he is Muslim could weaken the party’s northern support and disrupt party unity.
He noted that introducing a new running mate might trigger internal crises and raise doubts about the new candidate’s ability to work effectively with President Tinubu or maintain policy continuity.
“Decisions of this nature must be guided by political calculations and electoral realities, not sentiment,” Iloduba said, urging party leaders to focus on campaign mobilization and issue-based politics rather than the religious affiliations of ticket bearers.
Iloduba emphasized that Shettima’s political pedigree in Northern Nigeria is critical for garnering support and that finding a Christian counterpart with similar influence would be challenging.
He also acknowledged the importance of religious balance but encouraged exploring alternative ways to promote inclusivity without altering the current ticket.
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The APC insider concluded that tampering with the Tinubu/Shettima ticket could undermine party cohesion, affect public perception, and ultimately reduce the party’s prospects in the 2027 elections.
