As the 2027 election cycle begins to heat up, the North-Central APC Forum has issued a stern warning to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the Vice Presidential slot. The group is cautioning against any move to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima on the ticket for the next general election.
The forum’s statement, released today, Thursday, 22 January 2026, highlights growing internal jitters within the ruling party over regional representation and loyalty.
The North-Central bloc, a critical swing region in Nigerian politics, argues that maintaining the Tinubu-Shettima status quo is vital for party stability. Their concerns stem from rumors of a “recalculation” of the 2027 ticket to favor different geopolitical zones.
The forum praised Shettima for his “unwavering loyalty” to President Tinubu and his handling of the country’s economic and security challenges as VP.
They warned that dropping a Northern representative of Shettima’s caliber could alienate a significant portion of the Northern electorate, particularly in the North-East.
The statement explicitly told party “power-mongers” to stop creating division and focus on the current administration’s delivery of the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
While the 2027 elections are still over a year away, the “geopolitical nerves” are already visible:
The North-Central Claim: The North-Central region has long felt it deserves more high-profile representation (like the Senate Presidency or the VP slot) given its high voter turnout for the APC.
The “Northern Consensus”: There is ongoing pressure from various Northern blocs to ensure the North remains the dominant junior partner in the presidency.
The Incumbency Factor: Historically, sitting Presidents rarely change their VPs for a second term unless there is a major rift (e.g., Obasanjo and Atiku).
