2027 Permutations: Six Governors, Lawmakers Jostle to Replace Shettima as Tinubu’s Running Mate

As political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, may be facing a growing threat to his place on the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket. Insiders from the party and the presidency have hinted that President Bola Tinubu may be considering replacing Shettima as his running mate due to mounting political pressure, strained alliances, and internal dissent from Shettima’s political base in Borno State.

The clearest indication of Shettima’s uncertain future came during the APC Northeast stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe on June 15, 2025, where Tinubu was endorsed for a second term — but Shettima’s name was conspicuously omitted. This has ignited fierce speculation and opened the floodgates for ambitious politicians within the party, particularly from the North, to begin positioning themselves as potential vice-presidential picks.

Tinubu May Drop Shettima In 2027, Says President Struggles To Work With Deputies

At the heart of the matter is a growing perception within the APC that Shettima has failed to manage dissent from key figures within his state — most notably Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, and Senator Ali Ndume. Zulum, Shettima’s protégé and political ally, has openly criticized the Tinubu administration on several occasions, particularly its economic reforms and security strategy.

Zulum’s vocal opposition to the tax reform bills and his criticism of the Federal Government’s performance in handling insecurity in Borno have not gone unnoticed. His dramatic protest over the exclusion of Shettima’s name at the Gombe endorsement meeting only intensified speculation of cracks within the North-East bloc.

Ndume, a long-time Shettima ally and current Senator representing Borno South, has also consistently voiced disapproval of the administration’s policies. His outbursts led the APC National Working Committee to request his removal as Senate Majority Whip in July 2024, citing “unguarded remarks.”

According to a senior APC source, “The main issue is perception. If Zulum and Ndume — both Shettima’s closest political allies — are constantly attacking the administration, it’s seen as a failure of the Vice President to exert influence or discipline within his camp.”

Who Could Replace Shettima? Six Names Emerge

Against this backdrop, several powerful figures are being considered as possible replacements should Tinubu opt for a new running mate. Sources have identified four northern governors and two top lawmakers as likely contenders:

1. Mai Mala Buni (Governor of Yobe State) – A former APC national chairman, Buni is seen as a strategic player with deep party roots and northern grassroots appeal.
2. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Governor of Gombe State) – Although his spokesperson has denied any ambition, Yahaya’s recent positioning and proximity to Tinubu have raised eyebrows.
3. Senator Uba Sani (Governor of Kaduna State) – A long-time ally of President Tinubu and influential within the North-West, Sani is seen as a bridge between reformists and northern conservatives.
4. Dikko Radda (Governor of Katsina State) – His interest in the vice presidency is reportedly well known within the party. Katsina, being a vote-rich northern state, adds weight to his candidacy.
5. Tajudeen Abbas (Speaker, House of Representatives) – Representing the legislative arm and hailing from the North-West, Abbas is regarded as a consensus builder.
6. Barau Jibrin (Deputy Senate President) – His name continues to surface in power circles, particularly due to his alignment with the Tinubu camp and ability to balance ethnic and regional considerations.

An APC insider explained: “It’s usually governors who want the VP position. Buni, Yahaya, Sani, and Radda have either been quietly lobbying or are being pushed by their allies. Tajudeen Abbas and Barau Jibrin are also serious contenders, especially because the legislature will play a key role in the transition dynamics.”

Confidence Deficit and Perception Problem

Despite enjoying access to the president, Shettima has reportedly failed to win Tinubu’s complete trust. According to another source, “He has not demonstrated initiative or political leadership. He mostly takes instructions and doesn’t bring bold solutions to the table.”

The party’s internal power brokers are said to be weighing not just loyalty, but effectiveness, voter mobilization capacity, and national acceptability. With the 2027 campaign season drawing closer, every detail is under review.

Denials and Reactions from the Accused

Unsurprisingly, many of those named have denied any ambition to become vice president. Gombe Governor Yahaya’s spokesperson, Ismaila Misilli, called the reports false. “He’s 100 per cent focused on delivering for Tinubu and completing his second term,” Misilli said.

Similarly, Katsina Governor Dikko Radda’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, dismissed the speculation as “mere political permutations.”

But in Nigeria’s political culture, open denials are often strategic and rarely the final word. As a senior analyst noted, “No one campaigns openly for VP. You position quietly, build alliances, and wait for the nod.”

The Road Ahead: Will Tinubu Reconfigure His Ticket?

Whether President Tinubu ultimately retains Shettima or opts for a fresh running mate in 2027 remains uncertain. However, the current maneuvering, denials, and internal agitation within the APC make one thing clear — the battle for the vice-presidential slot has begun.

Political watchers believe that Tinubu, known for his strategic acumen and willingness to make ruthless decisions for electoral success, may not hesitate to reshuffle the ticket if it increases the party’s chances.

For Shettima, regaining his footing will require not just loyalty, but a proactive effort to silence dissent within his camp, redefine his public role, and demonstrate irreplaceable political value before the 2027 clock strikes.