2027: North-Central APC Forum Cautions Against Dropping Shettima Says Obi Could Benefit

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Fresh debate has emerged within Nigeria’s ruling political camp as discussions surrounding the 2027 presidential election begin to gather momentum. Leaders from the North-Central bloc of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have publicly cautioned party strategists against altering the current presidential ticket, insisting that maintaining political stability should remain the party’s priority.

The group expressed concern that conversations about replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima could generate avoidable divisions within the party at a time when unity is considered essential for electoral success.

Growing Speculation Inside the Ruling Party

Recent political discussions have been fueled by rumours suggesting that influential figures within the APC are considering introducing a Christian running mate ahead of the next election cycle. Observers believe the speculation intensified following an APC constitutional amendment public hearing held in Maiduguri, where promotional materials displayed prominent party leaders but noticeably excluded the vice president’s image.

Although no official decision has been announced, the development triggered reactions from party stakeholders who fear that internal experimentation with leadership arrangements could destabilize an already tested electoral formula.

Forum Raises Alarm Over Possible Political Risks

In a statement issued in Abuja, the North-Central APC Forum, under the leadership of Chairman Saleh Zazzaga, described any move to drop Shettima as politically risky. According to the group, altering a ticket that previously secured victory could weaken voter confidence and disrupt existing alliances across regions.

The Forum argued that continuity often strengthens political messaging, warning that unnecessary restructuring might unintentionally benefit opposition figures preparing for the next contest.

Position of the North-Central Region Clarified

Responding to claims that the North-Central geopolitical zone is quietly seeking the vice-presidential slot, the Forum rejected the suggestion outright. Its leadership explained that the region’s long-term ambition lies beyond the immediate election cycle.

Rather than pursuing the deputy position in 2027, the bloc revealed it is strategically focused on positioning itself for the presidency after the completion of President Bola Tinubu’s expected tenure. The clarification was intended to dispel assumptions that regional rivalry is driving the ongoing debate.

Religious Politics and Electoral Calculations

The Forum also criticised attempts to reintroduce religious balancing as a deciding factor in selecting running mates. Members argued that electoral strength should be based on political structure, grassroots support, and organisational capacity rather than faith identity.

They maintained that replacing the current arrangement purely for religious optics could fracture established voting coalitions and create opportunities for rival parties to consolidate dissatisfied voters.

Concerns Over Opposition Advantage

According to the group, altering the APC ticket may have unintended consequences for the ruling party’s electoral prospects. Leaders suggested that weakening northern support could shift voting patterns toward opposition candidates, particularly those who previously performed strongly in several regions during the 2023 election.

The Forum noted that many voices advocating a leadership change were not prominent supporters during the last presidential race, raising doubts about their ability to mobilize genuine political backing in future contests.

Response to Alleged International Influence

Addressing claims circulating in political circles, the Forum dismissed suggestions that foreign governments or Western institutions might pressure Nigeria to modify its political arrangements before the next election. The group emphasised that electoral decisions remain an internal democratic matter.

According to the statement, external influence in domestic political strategy would undermine national sovereignty and risk provoking unnecessary controversy within the country’s democratic system.

Appeal to Party Leadership

In its concluding remarks, the Forum urged APC leaders and President Tinubu to resist both internal lobbying and external commentary regarding changes to the presidential ticket. The group warned that abandoning an existing partnership could erode trust among core supporters in the North and weaken the party’s electoral base.

Members insisted that preserving unity around the current leadership configuration represents the safest path toward political stability ahead of 2027.

Commentary and Political Analysis

The intervention by the North-Central APC Forum reflects early positioning ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive election cycle. Nigerian politics traditionally enters negotiation phases years before elections, with debates over zoning, religion, and regional representation often shaping alliances long before campaigns officially begin.

While proponents of change may argue that political realities evolve, defenders of continuity believe that stability offers strategic advantage. The warning issued by the Forum highlights a deeper concern within the ruling party: balancing internal expectations without weakening electoral cohesion.

Ultimately, the controversy underscores how vice-presidential selections in Nigeria extend beyond symbolism, serving as instruments for managing regional loyalty, voter confidence, and coalition politics.