Tinubu has no rival, 2027 elections won’t be on social media — Shettima declares

Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no credible rival ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that political contests in Nigeria are not won on social media platforms but through strong grassroots coalitions, credibility, and effective governance.

Shettima made the remarks on Friday while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

The high-level meeting brought together key party leaders, governors, lawmakers, and members of the National Working Committee to review the state of the party and strategise ahead of future elections.

In a speech that drew applause from party faithful, the Vice President said anyone who believes President Tinubu can be easily challenged in the 2027 presidential election is either politically naive or deliberately ignoring the realities of Nigerian politics.

“Only a fool hell-bent on a suicidal path or an outright imposter can dare to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election,” Shettima declared. He, however, quickly added that Nigeria remains a democracy where anyone constitutionally qualified is free to contest for office.

His comments come amid growing political conversations across the country, especially on social media, where opposition figures and critics of the Tinubu administration have intensified debates about governance, economic reforms, and the direction of the country. While acknowledging the vibrancy of online discourse, Shettima dismissed the idea that popularity on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook translates directly into electoral success.

“Elections are not won by noise or nostalgia,” he said. “Elections are not conducted, to borrow the words of Governor Uba Sani, on Facebook or on Twitter. Elections are won by coalitions, credibility, and conviction.”

The Vice President stressed that while social media plays an important role in shaping public opinion, real political victories in Nigeria depend on building broad alliances across regions, engaging party structures at the grassroots, and maintaining the trust of voters through tangible achievements.

Shettima’s remarks appeared to be both a defence of the Tinubu administration and a message to APC members to remain focused on strengthening the party’s internal cohesion. He urged party leaders not to be distracted by online criticism or premature campaign narratives but to concentrate on governance and delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

According to him, President Tinubu’s political experience, spanning decades of activism, party-building, and governance, places him in a strong position ahead of the next election cycle.

“With the experience of our president as our shield, and the lessons of the past as our guide, I believe that 2027 is not a gamble; it is a responsibility,” Shettima said. “And by the grace of God, we shall have a renewable blessing.”

Observers say the Vice President’s comments reflect the confidence within the APC leadership as the party seeks to consolidate power after winning the 2023 presidential election. Since assuming office, President Tinubu has embarked on sweeping economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates—policies that have sparked intense debate and, in some cases, public hardship.

Despite the criticisms, APC leaders have consistently argued that the reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth. Shettima’s speech suggested that the party believes these policies, once fully implemented, will strengthen Tinubu’s re-election prospects rather than weaken them.

Political analysts note that the Vice President’s emphasis on coalitions and credibility is a reminder of the strategy that brought the APC to power in 2015 and sustained it through subsequent elections. The party’s ability to unite diverse political interests across the country has often been cited as one of its strongest assets.

At the NEC meeting, party leaders reportedly discussed issues ranging from party discipline and internal democracy to preparations for upcoming off-cycle elections. While 2027 may still seem distant, the tone of the gathering indicated that the APC is already positioning itself to retain the presidency.

Shettima also used the opportunity to caution party members against complacency, noting that political dominance must be earned continuously through performance and unity.

Although opposition parties have yet to formally unveil their presidential contenders for 2027, political activities have gradually intensified, with various figures testing the waters through public engagements and online campaigns. The Vice President’s comments appear aimed at countering early momentum from such quarters and reassuring APC supporters of the party’s strength.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic and social challenges, the coming years are expected to be crucial in shaping public perception of the Tinubu administration. Whether the APC’s confidence will translate into another electoral victory in 2027 remains to be seen, but for now, the party’s top leadership is leaving little doubt about its intentions.

For Shettima and the APC, the message is clear: political power is not secured through viral posts or online trends, but through organisation, experience, and the hard work of governance—factors they believe will ultimately work in President Tinubu’s favour when Nigerians return to the polls.