A senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Haruna Yerima, has cautioned the ruling party against tampering with the Tinubu/Shettima presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Yerima said those pushing for changes are the same figures who opposed the ticket in 2023.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that tampering with the Tinubu/Shettima presidential ticket would not augur well for the APC in 2027 general elections,” Yerima warned.
“It is appalling that those who never believed the Tinubu/Shettima ticket would deliver victory in 2023 are now working round the clock to change it. They should be stopped now. Else, the ruling party will suffer its greatest defeat in 2027.”
Yerima criticised calls to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima with a Christian candidate from the North-Central or North-West zones. He described such moves as “short-sighted and politically naive.”
He argued that both zones have already been rewarded with top federal appointments.
“The North-Central and the North-West zones that are canvassing for the 2027 Vice Presidential ticket are fully rewarded with prominent appointments that include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Defence, the National Chairman of APC, Chairman of INEC, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, the Chief of Army Staff, among others,” Yerima said.
Dismissing Foreign Influence
The APC chieftain dismissed claims that alleged remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump about Christian persecution should influence Nigeria’s political decisions.
“It is a fallacy that United States President would determine who Nigerian Vice President should be. This is the handiwork of political jobbers and fifth columnists,” he stated.
Yerima praised Vice President Shettima’s loyalty and competence.
“It is on record that Senator Kashim Shettima has been a very loyal and competent deputy to President Tinubu. He is not noisy. Even his political detractors can’t deny he is a competent powerhouse with strong intellectual capabilities. His political antecedents are legendary,” Yerima said.
His comments come after Abdulkarim Lawan, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, raised concerns about Shettima’s exclusion from a banner showcasing APC leaders during a North East stakeholders’ meeting in Maiduguri.
At the same time, names such as former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Matthew Hassan Kukah were being mentioned as possible replacements for Shettima.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
