Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum in the North-Central, Saleh Zazzaga, has dismissed concerns that removing Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 elections would threaten the president’s re-election prospects.
In an interview with Punch, Zazzaga said even if the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) bloc within the APC pulled out over such a move, it wouldn’t derail Tinubu’s bid.
He described the President’s relationship with Shettima as solid and insisted any decision on replacing the vice president would be strategic, not the result of pressure from party factions.
He addressed speculations about internal agitation within the APC, saying some of those calling for Shettima’s removal were being sponsored by opposition groups. “These agitators have backers,” he said. “But if the President ever decides to make a change, he’ll do so clearly and convincingly.”
Zazzaga acknowledged that Tinubu’s loss in the North-East during the 2023 elections could prompt a reassessment of the ticket, but said such decisions would be based purely on electoral strategy.
“If data shows that changing the VP increases our chances in 2027, we’ll consider it. But if Shettima helps us win, we’ll retain him.”
He defended Shettima’s performance in office and dismissed the ANPP faction’s criticism as politically motivated, likely influenced by external forces.
Commenting on the recent appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as APC National Chairman, Zazzaga said he was the right choice to lead the party.
“He resigned from INEC in 2022 and contested under our party. Though he didn’t win in Plateau, he understands the political terrain and won’t allow religion to influence the next election the way it did in 2023.”
On opposition efforts to build a new coalition around the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Zazzaga was scathing. He described the movement as a vehicle for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and predicted it would collapse if Atiku failed to secure a presidential ticket. “They’re an alliance of recycled politicians. The masses won’t support them.”
Asked about other possible ADC candidates such as Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai, he dismissed their chances. “Atiku has no legacy. Obi might have support in places like Nasarawa and the FCT, but the North has 19 states — and he won’t win them.”
Zazzaga also addressed speculation that governors might defect to ADC. “That’s unlikely. They see what Tinubu has achieved. Rather than join ADC, they’d move to APC.”
On the question of the North-Central pushing for the vice presidency in 2027, Zazzaga said it wasn’t worth it. Instead, he urged the region to aim for the presidency after Tinubu’s second term.
“We’ve given APC strong support — five governors, legislative strength, and massive votes — but we’ve never had a president or vice president in this democracy.”
Rejecting claims that the North has been marginalised under Tinubu, Zazzaga pointed to improvements in security, economic growth, and investment in education and healthcare in the region. “People are returning to their farms. Give it two more years, and insecurity will be gone.”
Zazzaga concluded by affirming the North-Central’s continued support for Tinubu. “We’ve not presented an opposition candidate because we believe in his leadership.”
Punch
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