Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against considering any move to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on AIT’s Focus Nigeria, Shittu warned that such a move could destabilize the administration and jeopardize Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in office.
“It would bring a lot of disruptions if that move is made, and it could endanger the possibility of Tinubu’s second presidency. They must continue. You don’t punish anybody for doing nothing wrong,” Shittu cautioned.
His comments come amid speculations that President Tinubu may opt for a new running mate in the next election cycle. However, the presidency has dismissed the rumors, stating that any decision regarding the 2027 ticket will only be made when the official campaign season begins.
Defending Shettima’s place in the administration, Shittu emphasized that the Vice President earned his position based on competence, not political affiliations or past ties with the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
“Shettima was not nominated as vice president because of whatever cleavage he had with the ANPP. On his own merit, he got it,” Shittu stated.
“He is a very intelligent Vice President. I don’t know what he has done to warrant doubts about his loyalty or performance. I would vote for Shettima any day.”
Shittu urged those pushing the idea of replacing Shettima to reconsider, warning that any such move could send the wrong political signal and fracture existing alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
“If there are any such suggestions from any quarters, I think we must be very careful about it,” he concluded.