APC Chieftain Warns Tinubu: Retaining Shettima as VP Is a Grievous Mistake
A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, has strongly criticised the plan to keep Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
Vatsa described the decision as “a direct insult” to the Christian community and warned that it could provoke future problems, particularly because Christians are unlikely to support another Muslim‑Muslim ticket.
He argued that the political circumstances that justified a same‑faith ticket in 2023 no longer exist, making the move politically insensitive and likely to cost the ruling party crucial Christian votes.
“I think this is a grievous mistake by the APC. It is highly insensitive,” Vatsa said, adding that those behind the decision did not have the President’s or the party’s best interests at heart.
He noted that, given the current security concerns affecting Christians nationwide, repeating the Muslim‑Muslim arrangement would be unexpected and could further alienate a significant portion of the electorate.
Vatsa warned that the APC would struggle to persuade Christians to back its ticket in 2027, especially if rival parties field Christian candidates, and urged the party to consider a Christian vice‑presidential nominee to restore confidence.
While stressing that his critique is not aimed at Vice President Shettima or the Muslim community, Vatsa insisted he is advocating for equity, justice and fairness in the country’s political arrangement.
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