Cracks in APC: Governors, lawmakers lobby to replace Shettima

The APC’s National Working Committee is reportedly split, even as North-East stakeholders insist the VP seat must remain in their zone.

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s political future is under renewed scrutiny as internal forces within the All Progressives Congress (APC) move to potentially replace him ahead of the 2027 election.

Sources within the Presidency and party leadership revealed that several northern governors and National Assembly leaders are positioning themselves as alternative vice-presidential picks, citing discontent over persistent criticisms from Borno Governor Babagana Zulum and Senator Ali Ndume—both close Shettima allies.

Four governors—Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Muhammadu Yahaya (Gombe), Uba Sani (Kaduna), and Dikko Radda (Katsina)—alongside Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, have been linked to succession talks.

The APC’s National Working Committee is reportedly split, even as North-East stakeholders insist the VP seat must remain in their zone.

“Emphatically and categorically, we will not relinquish the VP slot to another zone,” APC Zonal Chairman Salihu declared.

While denials have trailed rumours of interest, insiders describe the internal debate as a “cold war” driven by ambition, not crisis.

A federal lawmaker warned, “Without Shettima, the President couldn’t have won in 2023. Dropping him now will widen internal challenges.”

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