APC Chieftain Warns Against Moves To Replace Shettima, Calls Tinubu-Shettima ‘Unbeatable Force’

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Dele Oyelude, has cautioned against agitations in some quarters for the replacement of Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, insisting that such calls are sponsored by enemies of the ruling party.

Oyelude, who serves as the Director General of the Tinubu-Shettima Ambassadors, described Shettima as the most loyal deputy in Nigeria’s democratic history, adding that the Vice President’s loyalty and calm disposition have helped to stabilize the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with journalists on Sunday, Oyelude stressed that any attempt to unsettle the synergy between the President and his Vice would amount to undermining the stability of the APC-led government. According to him, Shettima’s antecedents as a banker, governor, and legislator demonstrate his commitment to national service, party loyalty, and competence.

“Vice President Kashim Shettima is the most loyal, calm, and resourceful Vice President in the history of Nigeria. Those calling for his replacement are enemies of the All Progressives Congress and the good governance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Oyelude said.

He argued that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket has remained a nightmare for the opposition, noting that the combination of two former governors, both with legislative experience, represents an “intimidating political force” that no rival party can easily withstand.

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Oyelude emphasized that Shettima, Nigeria’s 15th Vice President, has demonstrated loyalty from his days as the successor to Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as Borno State Governor, through his tenure as a two-term governor, and later as a federal legislator. He noted that the Vice President’s acceptance of the APC presidential ticket structure without rancour during the 2023 elections further underscored his loyalty and patriotism.

“A core progressive party leader with track records across the board, Vice President Shettima was an exceptional professional in the banking sector before joining politics. His experience in that sector strengthened his political journey and shaped him into the loyal leader he is today,” Oyelude stated.

He warned those plotting to create divisions within the ruling party that Nigerians are watching and will resist any attempt to truncate the bond between Tinubu and Shettima, which he said remains central to APC’s victory and the country’s political stability.

The APC stalwart urged the presidency to consolidate on the existing collaboration between the President and his deputy, while also blocking what he termed “frictional leakages” from political adversaries.

“Tinubu-Shettima combination is intimidating and a threat to any political opponent to defeat. Their experience as both former Governor and Senator is reflected in a smooth, progressive, and productive administration. Kashim Shettima should not be replaced. He is a perfect match for APC victory and Nigeria’s greatness,” he insisted.

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According to him, the very mention of the Tinubu-Shettima duo unsettles opposition parties, destabilizing their internal structures and frustrating attempts at building a united coalition.

“Opposition parties are threatened at the mention of Tinubu-Shettima. The fear of this intimidating fusion has scattered the major opposition party and sent the coalition party on a journey of no return,” he claimed.

Reacting to reports that the APC national leadership may be considering an open primary contest ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Oyelude acknowledged that such processes are democratic but maintained that no pairing could rival the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.

“I read of the national party leadership of the APC calling for an open primary contest ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Though democratic, there is no perfect force as Tinubu-Shettima that can shatter the house of the opposition coalition and completely restore the glory of Nigeria. None of them should be changed,” he argued.

The APC chieftain therefore urged party stakeholders and supporters across the country to ignore what he described as sponsored distractions targeted at weakening the party. Instead, he advised them to focus on supporting the Tinubu administration in its drive to deliver economic reforms, restore national security, and reposition Nigeria for greatness.

Oyelude concluded by reiterating that the Vice President has earned his place in history as one of Nigeria’s most dependable leaders, stressing that the Tinubu-Shettima partnership remains not just a political alliance but a symbol of progressive governance.