The National Chairman of the Ulam’u Council of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheik Sani Yahaya Jingir, has issued a stern warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that the Islamic group would withdraw its support for his re-election bid in 2027 if Vice President Kashim Shettima is removed as his running mate.
Speaking at a religious gathering at the Yantaya Mosque in Jos, Plateau State, Sheik Jingir reminded attendees of his open support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket during the 2023 general elections, despite his personal closeness to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“I supported Tinubu and Shettima without collecting a dime from them. Although I am close to Atiku, I chose to stand by Tinubu and Shettima because they agreed to contest and work together. Any attempt to drop Shettima, I wouldn’t support that move,” he declared.
The Islamic scholar’s statement comes amid growing speculations within the All Progressives Congress (APC) that President Tinubu might be considering a replacement for Vice President Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
Sheik Jingir dismissed such rumors as the handiwork of “unpatriotic elements” attempting to cause a rift within the presidency.
He urged President Tinubu to remain steadfast and avoid falling for divisive tactics.
“There are rumors circulating that things aren’t going well between them but I don’t believe it.
In my opinion, it’s the work of their enemies,” Jingir asserted, while calling on Tinubu to stay united with Shettima and resist external attempts to destabilize their partnership.
The cleric’s comments are likely to resonate strongly within Northern religious and political circles, where his influence remains significant.
