FULL LIST: Four Governors, Top Lawmakers Vying to Replace Vice President Shettima in 2027

Four Governors, Top Lawmakers Vying to Replace Vice President Shettima in 2027

 

The political future of Vice President Kashim Shettima is facing renewed uncertainty, as high-level maneuvering within the All Progressives Congress (APC) intensifies over the 2027 general elections.

 

Sources close to the Presidency have revealed that several northern power blocs are actively positioning alternative candidates to replace Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate.

 

Multiple insiders in both the Presidency and the APC confirmed to Sunday Punch that the race to secure the vice-presidential slot has already begun, with four sitting northern governors emerging as strong contenders. These include Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna, and Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina.

 

“The Katsina governor’s interest is no secret,” a well-placed source stated. “He has been very strategic in aligning himself with key figures in the party, and the competition is heating up.”

 

In addition to the governors, two influential federal lawmakers — Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin — have also been linked to the contest. Both men command significant clout within the ruling party and are reportedly backed by distinct regional and political interest groups.

 

Despite Vice President Shettima’s visible presence within Aso Rock and his regular engagements with President Tinubu, concerns are mounting among party stakeholders regarding his performance. A senior APC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that while Shettima enjoys direct access to the President, he has not secured Tinubu’s full confidence.

 

“He meets with the President often, but he hasn’t shown the kind of leadership or political drive that earns long-term trust,” the source said. “There’s a growing sentiment that he operates under instruction rather than taking the initiative.”

 

These behind-the-scenes developments signal a possible shift in APC’s internal dynamics as the party begins early preparations for the 2027 elections. With power blocs realigning and new contenders emerging, the political calculus around Tinubu’s running mate is far from settled.

 

Although no official statement has been made regarding Shettima’s status on the 2027 ticket, the growing speculation suggests that significant changes could be in store, especially as northern leaders seek to consolidate influence within the party and the federal executive.

 

For now, Vice President Shettima remains in office, but insiders say the coming months could be decisive in determining whether he will return to the campaign trail beside President Tinubu — or be replaced by a rising northern heavyweight.