FCT, Abuja - A political storm is brewing within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) amid growing speculations over the fate of Vice President (VP) Kashim Shettima in the 2027 presidential race.

The rumour that President Bola Tinubu may consider replacing Shettima as his running mate ahead of the 2027 election reached a boiling point mid-June.

VP Shettima's fate in the 2027 election

In this report, Legit.ng looks at some of the reasons that may compel President Tinubu to drop Shettima.

1) Tinubu and faith-related challenge

Some northern stakeholders have urged President Tinubu, a Muslim, to consider picking a Christian as his running mate in 2027.

The stakeholders argue that President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will record a landslide victory with a Christian from any of the northern states, instead of a fellow Muslim.

In the build-up to the 2023 election, an avalanche of backlash greeted Tinubu's disposition to the Muslim-Muslim ticket, pitting him against a considerable number of Nigerians, aggrieved party supporters, and religious bodies.

2) Northcentral power bloc eyes VP's seat

Some stakeholders in the north-central have, for almost a year, been asking Tinubu to pick his deputy from the region in 2027 if he wants their support.

Legit.ng recalls that recently, the North Central Renaissance Movement, led by its chairman, Professor Nghargbu K’tso, threatened to withdraw support for President Tinubu if he fails to present a vice-presidential candidate from their geopolitical zone.

The delegation held a closed-door meeting with former national security adviser, General Aliyu Gusau; ex-federal lawmaker, Senator John Danboyi; the Onah of Abaji, His Royal Highness Alhaji Musa Baba Yunusa; and others, who claim 65 years of marginalisation.

For the north central, particularly the Christian-dominated states, which are facing an existential threat from terrorists, the stakes could not be higher. It is understandable why they desperately seek at least a 'leg' in the Villa, but having the number two seat does not automatically guarantee their survival, though their 2023 “investment” gives them a bold claim to Shettima’s seat, which they are now asking for.

3) Alleged drop in Shettima's influence

Some reports claimed that Shettima's influence is waning, and this could set the stage for a potential electoral victory for the opposition in the 2027 election. A certain proportion of political observers have posited that two years into

Tinubu's tenure, APC members are witnessing how Shettima's effect, if existent, is quickly deteriorating.