As the 2027 presidential election approaches, Starnews NG has gathered information suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is considering a strategic shift by potentially replacing Vice-President Kashim Shettima with a Christian running mate.
Insider sources within Aso Rock indicate that this move may be linked to ongoing discussions with the United States government regarding the protection of Christian communities amid rising security threats in Nigeria.
Findings by Starnews NG suggest that this reassessment of the vice-presidential candidacy is partly connected to a truce reached during a recent delegation of senior Nigerian officials, led by National Security Adviser Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, who visited the United States. During this visit, U.S. officials under President Donald Trump raised concerns about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, prompting discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation to combat terrorism and enhance security for all citizens.
Political analysts are speculating about potential replacements for Shettima, with several prominent northern Christian figures emerging as frontrunners. Names circulating within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) include former Speaker Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Defence Minister Lt-Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah.
The President’s loyalists, privy to this information, are reportedly working behind the scenes to ensure that any likely replacement favours their camps, aiming to balance religious representation within the government. This could signal a significant shift in Tinubu’s approach to governance and representation.
The renewed focus on a Christian running mate follows persistent criticism of the Muslim–Muslim ticket adopted in the 2023 elections. This decision faced scrutiny both domestically and internationally, including remarks from U.S. officials advocating for more inclusive representation in Nigeria’s federal governance. Christian associations and civil society organisations have consistently expressed concerns regarding security in northern Christian communities, arguing that equitable political representation could foster national unity.
Conversely, northern Muslim groups contend that insecurity affects both Muslims and Christians throughout the region. They cite the widespread violence perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and various forms of banditry as evidence that the crisis transcends sectarian lines.
As the political landscape evolves, observers are keenly analysing which vice-presidential candidate might best embody a vision of unity capable of driving national peace and shared prosperity.
The urgency of this decision is underscored by recent events, including the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern due to allegations of Christian genocide.
Moreover, earlier this week, Starnews NG reported that the Federal Government approved a $9 million contract for lobbying services in the United States, which has sparked backlash from opposition politicians. Critics, including former presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, have denounced the expenditure as a misplaced priority and a national disgrace.
As the political calendar advances toward 2027, discussions surrounding Tinubu’s choice of running mate are expected to intensify, influencing alliances and shaping conversations within the ruling party and beyond.
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