Inside The Plot: 6 Northern Leaders Allegedly Positioned To Replace Shettima In 2027

Amid growing political speculations surrounding Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Presidency has firmly denied rumors suggesting that President Bola Tinubu is considering replacing him with another northern figure.

Several reports had circulated indicating that six prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were being considered as potential replacements for Shettima on the 2027 presidential ticket.

However, senior insiders within the government insist there is no such plan, emphasizing that the relationship between the President and Vice President remains strong and unshaken.

The politicians reportedly being speculated as possible alternatives include:

• Abdulaziz Yari, former Governor of Zamfara State

• Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser

• Mohammed Bago, Governor of Niger State

• Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State

• Inuwa Yahaya, Governor of Gombe State

• Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives

Each name, sources claim, is being floated for either strategic or religious reasons. Yari is seen as a long-time Tinubu ally, while Ribadu is reportedly viewed as a future presidential contender for 2031. Dogara is allegedly being considered to balance the religious dynamics of the ticket, offering a Christian-Muslim pairing in contrast to the current Muslim-Muslim alignment.

Governors Bago, Sani, and Yahaya were mentioned due to their rising popularity and commendable performance in office.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, in response to the growing speculation, reaffirmed that there is no rift between Tinubu and Shettima. He described any conversation about a 2027 running mate as premature, noting that such decisions are usually made only after party primaries.

Close allies of the administration stress that Shettima remains a valuable political asset, particularly in the North-East. One source said:

“President Tinubu will not drop Shettima in 2027. He is an asset. He was the first to back Tinubu before APC primaries, and he stood firm during internal conspiracies to stop Tinubu’s emergence. His loyalty, structure, and performance are undeniable.”

The source further highlighted Shettima’s track record of competence and his loyalty since assuming office, stating that he has never failed in any assignment given by President Tinubu. They described him as a detribalized Nigerian, recalling how he intervened to calm tensions when Northern youths issued a quit notice to Igbos residing in the region.

In addition, the close relationship between Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, and Hajiya Nana Shettima, the Vice President’s wife, is also believed to play a role in reinforcing Shettima’s place in the administration. The VP’s wife is heavily involved in the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), championed by the First Lady, often representing her at official functions and contributing to women and youth empowerment programs nationwide.

Some insiders have even suggested that the alleged push to drop Shettima is being driven by individuals without electoral strength or political structure, acting out of personal ambition.

Ultimately, the prevailing sentiment within the Villa is that Vice President Shettima’s loyalty, competence, and grassroots influence make him an indispensable part of Tinubu’s team going into 2027.