
The All Progressives Congress (APC) should be advised against removing Vice President Kashim Shettima from the 2027 presidential ticket by Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
The APC leader claimed that replacing Shettima, especially with a non-Northern Muslim, could lead to a severe political backlash in the North, according to a comment made on the Mic on a podcast with Channels TV Seun Okinbaloye.
Musawa emphasized that the party’s stability and chances of winning re-election would be hampered by the removal of the current “Muslim-Muslim” ticket.
“It creates a hurdle if there is no Hausa, Fulani, or Kanuri Muslim on that ticket.” That is how people actually think, Musawa said.
She emphasized that Northern Nigeria’s politics are deeply rooted and sophisticated, putting pressure on regionally based policies.
“The core North states, such as Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, and Sokoto, understand politics very well,” said one official. There is a way of life in politics. Because they believe they have influence there, people line up and vote every four years, she said.
Musawa refuted claims that such a move would lead to a reshuffle of the APC’s presidential ticket without having any consequences, blaming such presumptions as politically naive.
“I believe it is a problem if we play with changing the way things are in the present.” She said that those who make other claims may not fully comprehend how politics operates in the North.
Musawa expressed concern about growing opposition alliances ahead of 2027 when she questioned how the opposition forces are currently stacked against President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.
She described the opposition as splintered, with various political figures fighting for the same position of power.
You have a crowded opposition, you say. Every member is competing for the same seat, Musawa said, adding that this alone sets off the possibility of political failure.
She continued to acknowledge that opposition figures were still influential and active, but she emphasized that the APC was still confident in its ability to hold onto power.
“We don’t take anyone lightly,” we say. However, she said, “I don’t understand how they can unseat President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima because the opposition is now emerging.”
Musawa stated that the ruling party is focused on strengthening its political base ahead of the upcoming election despite the APC applauding a strong opposition to democratic growth.
