2027 Politics: Baba-Ahmed Urges Tinubu to Dismiss Talks of Dropping Shettima

Elder statesman and former presidential adviser, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly address the growing rumours that he may replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Baba-Ahmed expressed concern that the President’s silence is fueling unnecessary political anxiety and could potentially undermine both national stability and confidence in the current administration.

Baba-Ahmed noted that while presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga had earlier dismissed the speculation as a “non-issue,” such denials lack the weight of a direct presidential response. According to him, the mere act of President Tinubu affirming his trust in Shettima would go a long way in quelling the unrest surrounding the issue.

“If the President had said clearly, ‘I trust my Vice President and I’m not considering replacing him,’ this whole conversation would have ended,” Baba-Ahmed argued. He warned that allowing the rumour to fester could not only hurt Tinubu’s credibility but also damage the unity within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The elder statesman further cautioned that speculation about replacing Shettima with another northern figure possibly a Christian or someone from another geopolitical zone could lead to political division and distract the government from its core responsibilities.

He concluded by urging President Tinubu to speak directly, emphatically, and unambiguously to put the issue to rest: “It must come from him, not a spokesperson. Nigerians need clarity and leadership on this matter.”