2027: Don’t Replace Shettima, APC Begs Tinubu

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, citing Mr Shettima’s “commitment” and “diligent service.”

The leaders appealed in a communiqué issued after a meeting held on Sunday at the Government House in Maiduguri. This call to retain Mr Shettima came in response to rumours of pressure from the Northwest on Mr Tinubu to replace him.

The meeting was attended by prominent political figures from Borno, including the APC Deputy National Chairman North, Ali Dalori, senators, and former ambassadors. The focus was consolidating support for the Tinubu administration and the party’s future in Borno State.

“The meeting prayed for Mr President to retain His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima as his VP for his second term,” the communiqué stated, emphasising Mr Shettima’s loyalty and dedication to President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The leaders also pledged their “total and unalloyed loyalty and support” to President Tinubu, endorsing his administration’s policies. They urged Mr Shettima to “remain loyal to his Boss, Mr President, and continue to serve diligently to promote the laudable policies of Mr President.”

In addition to endorsing Mr Shettima, the meeting reaffirmed its “total confidence” in the administration of Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, commending his efforts in combating the Boko Haram insurgency and terrorism. They called on Mr Zulum to remain focused on his “noble campaign of recovering Borno from the shackles of insurgency, terrorism, and criminality.”

The communiqué declared that Borno State would remain an APC stronghold and rejected any suggestions of a merger or change of political affiliation.

“Borno shall remain in APC; no merger or change of political party,” the document stated.

The stakeholders also addressed internal party unity, urging members to avoid actions that could tarnish the APC’s image and to “discountenance the ongoing moves by certain elements within the party to cause disunity.”

Development and security initiatives in the state were discussed, with explicit requests for continued oil exploration in the Northeast region and investment in road infrastructure.

“The meeting appealed to Mr President to continue the oil exploration in the Northeast region, particularly Kolmani and the shores of Lake Chad. Furthermore, the meeting appealed to Mr President to invest in road infrastructure in the Northeast region to enhance security and prosperity,” the communiqué stated. Bello Ayuba, APC Borno State Chairman, and Mustapha Loskuri, APC State Secretary, signed the communiqué.