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2027 Elections: Vice President Shettima’s Critics and Political Detractors

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Kashim Shettima

By Abba Dukawa 

President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are indeed on the same ticket, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC). They ran together in the 2023 presidential election. However, there’s speculation about whether Shettima will remain Tinubu’s running mate in 2027 general elections.

According to reports, there are discussions about potential changes to the ticket for the 2027 presidential election, with some suggesting other northern minority christian or  a  politician from  north West  could replace Shettima. Despite this, there’s no official confirmation on the status of their joint ticket beyond the current term.

Clearly, his role diverges significantly from that of his predecessors, including Atiku Abubakar, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and Goodluck Jonathan. Despite being afforded some opportunities since the government’s inception, they haven’t been substantial enough to generate significant support or recognition.

“I struggle to understand why Shettima hasn’t been utilized to his full potential in this administration. For too long, he’s been consigned to ceremonial duties, only being acknowledged during high-profile events. Why isn’t he permitted to function similarly to his predecessors, given his vast experience? Is it due to external factors constrained his role? Furthermore, why does the economic team, led by the Vice President, appear to have a limited impact on shaping national economic policies?”

Shettima is indeed an exceptional politician, renowned for his astute understanding of politics and leadership. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes and build consensus has earned him respect from various quarters.

He has achieved remarkable success, winning elections three times and serving as Governor of Borno State for two terms, spanning eight years. He later became a Senator and eventually, the running mate to President Tinubu.

Notably, Shettima demonstrated exceptional leadership in rebuilding Borno after the devastating impact of terrorism. His experience, political acumen, and administrative expertise are unparalleled, setting him apart from others vying for the Vice Presidency.

As a seasoned politician with a deep understanding of the corridors of power, Shettima has consistently displayed high emotional intelligence, remaining composed amidst attempts to create tension between him and the President. Observations of his daily schedule reveal a demanding workload, yet he navigates it with ease, a testament to his work ethic honed during his time in Borno.

He has represented the President at prestigious forums like the World Economic Forum contributing to the influx of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) into the country. Also at the United Nations General Assembly showcasing his intellectual prowess.

Those vying for his position will likely be overshadowed once again by Shettima’s exceptional qualities. Despite their efforts to create tension by spreading rumours of rifts between him and the President, they seem unaware that in the realm of politics, loyalty and close alliances often take precedence when power dynamics are at play.

Amidst the negative narratives, Shettima has demonstrated remarkable emotional intelligence, showcasing his understanding of power dynamics and adapting seamlessly to various situations. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes is a testament to his experience and skill.

His detractors want him to challenge his boss, contest against him, and force him to plead not to run. They’d also have him prioritize cronyism, privatize national assets at throwaway prices, and perpetuate economic policies that benefit a select few at the expense of the many, exacerbating poverty and economic hardship.

Sometimes in early April, there was a publication by some blogs alleging that armed military units have barricaded the vice president from accessing the presidential villa. Nigeria’s VP has denied reports and said the claim is far-fetched and detached from reality.

His team attributed such misinformation to a lack of understanding of the Nigerian government’s inner workings, urging the public to disregard the malicious publication and advised the media to rely on credible sources, approaching sensational claims with caution.

With his exceptional ability to navigate complex situations and build strong relationships, Shettima has consistently demonstrated a high emotional intelligence quotient. His calm demeanor and thoughtful approach have earned him respect and admiration, setting him apart as a leader who truly understands the intricacies of power dynamics.

In another surprising twist in the political landscape, President Tinubu’s posters and billboards are currently displayed in various parts of Abuja, including Airport Road and the Central Business District. Campaign posters featuring his image have been circulating widely in Abuja, noticeably without Shettima’s picture. The President emphasized that until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sets the 2027 election timetable, he has not endorsed or authorized any campaign activities through any media channel.

However, the Presidency has dismissed rumors of a rift between the two leaders, attributing the false narratives to individuals seeking to create unnecessary tension. President asked his supporters to halt their re-election campaign efforts to avoid breaching INEC’s rules.

Naturally, the corridors of power often harbor mischief-makers. The relationship between Presidents and Vice Presidents in Nigerian politics has always been delicate, partly because the constitution doesn’t outline any independent responsibilities for the office of Vice President or Deputy Governor.

Under the 1999 Constitution, the Nigerian President wields significant power, akin to a constitutional monarch. As the Head of State, Chief Executive of the Federation, and Commander-in-Chief (Section 130(2)), the President serves as the country’s chief economic manager. Notably, while the Constitution vests legislative powers in institutions (Section 4) and judicial powers in institutions (Section 6), executive powers are vested directly in the President (Section 5).

In my humble opinion, attempts by certain political interests to reignite religious tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections are likely to fail. The opposition to Muslim-Muslim tickets was more intense in 2023 than it is now. Those who seek to vilify such tickets or imply that they’re an attempt to Islamize the country will be disappointed, as neither the President nor the Vice President has ever called on Christians to convert to Islam.

I’m confident that these tactics will backfire again in 2027, as the election will pit pragmatic, inclusive politics against the narrow, divisive agendas of some politicians. I hold Shettima in high esteem; he’s an exceptional politician with a deep understanding of politics and leadership.

Despite detractors’ efforts to drive a wedge between the President and the Vice President, he remains steadfast in promoting the administration’s agenda on every platform. Through his local and international engagements, he has successfully positioned Nigeria as a proactive contributor to global development and security initiatives, attracting foreign investment and fostering economic cooperation. His insights are truly transformative and a valuable asset to the administration.

Dukawa wrote in from Kano can be reached at [email protected]

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QNET’s Global Reach in 100+ Countries: What International Access Means for Local Distributors

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QNET

Global scale means market access and international supply chains. For individual distributors in direct selling, it can shape everything from product availability to income stability and long-term opportunity.

QNET, the multinational wellness and lifestyle direct selling company, positions its business model around that idea: connecting locally based independent distributors to an international operating platform. With activity spanning more than 100 countries, the company sits within a direct selling industry that, according to the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), has stabilized after several relatively volatile post-pandemic years.

Global Reach Within a Stabilizing Industry

The WFDSA’s latest global report estimates worldwide direct selling retail sales at roughly $163.9 billion in 2024, essentially flat year over year. That flat performance, however, masks gradual improvement beneath the surface. Nearly half of reporting markets showed growth in 2024, and average market growth rates rebounded to positive territory.

The report estimates more than 104 million independent sales representatives globally in 2024, a figure that has remained largely stable year over year.

This stabilization sets a backdrop for companies like QNET. A global footprint is no longer about rapid expansion alone; it is increasingly tied to resilience: operating across regions with different economic cycles, consumer behaviors, and growth trajectories.

For distributors, this matters because opportunities extend beyond individual effort. They are often shaped by the health of the company’s broader channel and product reach.

A Platform Designed for Distributed Entrepreneurship

QNET’s model centers on local execution supported by centralized infrastructure. Products—ranging from nutritional supplements and wellness devices to home and lifestyle solutions—are sold through the company’s proprietary e-commerce platform. Independent distributors do not manage warehouses, shipment logistics, or customer service systems.

As Ramya Chandrasekaran, who heads communications at QNET, explained in a recent interview, the company views direct selling as a form of accessible “micro-entrepreneurship.” The idea is to reduce the operational burden typically associated with starting a business, allowing distributors to focus on product education, customer relationships, and market development.

Why Global Scale Changes the Distributor Equation

One practical benefit of international reach is product continuity. WFDSA data shows that wellness products account for roughly 29% of global direct selling sales, making it the largest category worldwide. In the Asia-Pacific region, the largest direct selling region by sales, wellness represents more than 40% of total category share.

QNET’s emphasis on wellness and lifestyle products places distributors in line with the strongest demand segments globally. Instead of relying on narrow local trends, distributors operate within product categories that have shown consistent global interest.

International scale also supports consistency in training, compensation structures, and digital tools. Distributors in different countries access identical back-end systems, tracking referrals, commissions, and orders through the same platform. This standardization reduces friction and uncertainty, particularly for individuals operating in markets where informal commerce is common.

Workforce Shifts

The WFDSA’s report highlights notable shifts in the global direct selling workforce. Women continue to make up more than 70% of participants worldwide, and representation among individuals aged 35 to 54 remains the largest cohort.

Independent Distributors increasingly value flexibility, long-term viability, and support systems that allow them to operate sustainably rather than aggressively scale. QNET’s emphasis on digital access, centralized operations, and gradual business building reflects those priorities.

For many participants, especially those balancing work with caregiving or other responsibilities, direct selling infrastructure offers a way to stay engaged at their own pace.

Training, Exposure, and Cross-Market Learning

QNET’s international conventions and training programs connect distributors across regions, creating informal networks for peer learning. Events that draw participants from dozens of countries expose distributors to varied approaches to sales, customer engagement, and market adaptation.

This mirrors one of WFDSA’s broader conclusions: direct selling increasingly functions as a global learning ecosystem, with companies providing tools and education that help individuals navigate uncertain economic conditions.

For distributors, exposure to cross-border experiences can recalibrate expectations, reinforcing that success often comes from steady engagement rather than rapid recruitment or short-term activity.

International Access, Interpreted Locally

Despite its global scale, QNET’s business ultimately plays out in local communities. Distributors adapt messaging around wellness, home quality, and lifestyle enhancement to cultural norms and household priorities. The international platform provides reach and structure, but relevance is built locally.

That balance, global systems supporting local relationships, defines much of modern direct selling. The WFDSA describes the industry not as a single growth story, but as a framework that can scale proportionally with economic conditions across regions.

For QNET distributors, international presence does not guarantee income or uniform outcomes. What it offers is access: to resilient product categories, standardized systems, training resources, and a global marketplace that extends beyond any single region. For local distributors navigating today’s uncertain global economic environment, that is an important foundation to maintain.

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FCCPC Unseals Ikeja Electric Headquarters

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Ikeja Electric

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has unsealed the headquarters of Ikeja Electric Plc in the Lagos State capital after a week under lock and key.

According to a statement on Friday, the electricity distribution company committed to a binding undertaking to comply with the remedial process following consumer rights violations.

The statement signed by Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs at the commission, Ikeja Electric undertook to resolve all consumer complaints referred to it by the FCCPC within agreed timelines

The headquarters was earlier sealed on December 11, 2025, because Ikeja Electric allegedly failed to comply with a directive by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to unbundle a Maximum Demand account into 20 individual accounts for a customer who had been without power for over two and half years.

The FCCPC noted that following the resolution, any breach of the undertaking would expose it to renewed and escalated enforcement action under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act.

Reacting, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, said the Commission’s intervention was necessary to enforce the provisions of the FCCPA (2018).

“Our responsibility is to ensure that consumers are treated fairly and that service providers comply with lawful decisions and directives. Enforcement is not an end in itself. Where compliance is achieved and credible commitments are made, the Commission will respond appropriately,” he said.

Clarifying further, Mr Bello said the outcome reflects the commission’s balanced approach to regulation.

“We intervene decisively where consumer harm persists, and we de-escalate where enforceable compliance is secured. What remains constant is our duty to protect consumers and uphold regulatory accountability,” he said.

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All On’s Clean Energy Access Transforms Over One Million Lives

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All On

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The decision by a leading impact investment company focused on expanding clean energy access, All On, to support over 50 clean energy businesses and provide grants and technical assistance to more than 80 enterprises in Nigeria is already yielding positive results.

This is because the organisation’s Impact Evaluation Report indicated that more than one million lives have been transformed through clean energy access.

The report covered from 2018 t0 2024 and it was discovered that the interventions of All On enabled the connection of over 230,000 households, businesses, and public facilities to reliable energy solutions, while strengthening the operational capacity of energy providers and improving affordability and service reliability for end users.

Prior to the commencement of All On’s operations in 2016, nearly half of Nigeria’s population lacked access to electricity, and the sector faced an estimated 92 per cent annual funding gap.

In response, the group adopted a bold, risk-tolerant strategy—deploying catalytic capital, innovative financing instruments, and ecosystem-building initiatives to unlock private sector participation and drive progress toward universal energy access.

Central to these achievements is All On’s holistic support model, which combines rigorous, tailored due diligence, deep sector expertise, and active ecosystem engagement.

This approach has positioned All On as a trusted partner capable of delivering both commercial viability and systemic impact.

Flagship initiatives such as the Demand Aggregation for Renewable Technology (DART) programme have further amplified results by reducing procurement costs for supported businesses by up to 50 per cent, enabling developers to scale faster and pass cost savings on to consumers due to access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions.

In the report, it was revealed that half of supported households reported improved air quality, enhanced safety, and reduced noise pollution, contributing to better health outcomes and improved quality of life, alongside measurable environmental benefits.

“This report confirms that our approach is delivering real results. By combining patient capital, technical assistance, and ecosystem support, we are enabling scalable and sustainable energy solutions for Nigeria’s unserved and underserved communities,” the chief executive of All On, Ms Caroline Eboumbou.

The company plans plans to scale proven models, strengthen local capacity, and expand its reach—particularly in underserved regions such as the Niger Delta.

“While the progress to date is encouraging, our work is far from done. As we look toward 2030, we remain committed to deepening our impact and creating even more meaningful connections across Nigeria,” Ms Eboumbou added.

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