Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against any move to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Shittu, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, issued the warning during an interview on AIT’s Focus Nigeria, amid growing speculations that Tinubu might consider naming a new running mate for his potential re-election bid.
While the presidency has dismissed the rumours, stating that such decisions would only be addressed when the 2027 electioneering season formally begins, Shittu said any attempt to drop Shettima could destabilize the current political balance and threaten Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term.
“Shettima was not nominated as vice president because of any past affiliation with the ANPP. He was chosen on his own merit,” Shittu said. “He’s a very intelligent man. I would vote for Shettima any day because he truly deserves it.”
The former minister emphasized that there is no justification for replacing Shettima, noting that the vice president has remained loyal and competent in his role.
“I don’t think Shettima deserves any prevarication on his continuity in Tinubu’s team,” he added. “If there are any such suggestions from any quarters, I think we must be very careful about it.”
Shittu further warned that dropping Shettima could result in political instability and significantly hurt Tinubu’s re-election ambitions.
“It would bring a lot of disruptions if that move is made and it could endanger the possibility of Tinubu’s second presidency,” he said. “They must continue; you don’t punish anybody for not doing anything wrong.”
The remarks by Shittu have added a new dimension to the conversation around Tinubu’s 2027 strategy, even as political actors continue to keep their cards close to their chest.
