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.