As the 2027 election cycle approaches, the realignment of political forces has begun to manifest in various shapes and forms.
The ongoing fusion of different factions from registered political parties into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) signals a departure from the familiar path of mergers, such as the one that produced the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 elections.
Amid growing secret meetings taking place in Abuja and other cities across the country, recent signs of irreconcilable differences have emerged at the highest level of government—between the President and his Vice—over yet-to-be-disclosed issues. However, the resignation of Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as Special Adviser to the President in the Office of the Vice President on Political Matters hints at a souring relationship. Although Baba-Ahmed attempted to downplay the situation by emphasizing mutual respect between the two leaders, recent developments suggest otherwise.
It appears that the cabals surrounding the President may have played a role in sowing seeds of distrust by isolating the Vice President from major national matters in which he should ordinarily be involved.
The President’s recent trips to France and other international engagements reportedly left Vice President Kashim Shettima out in the cold regarding critical state affairs. It is speculated that the President’s inner circle may have deliberately withheld key information from the Vice President—either about the President’s movements or about decisions of national importance—thus straining the working relationship between them.
The worst-case scenario is the possibility that President Tinubu may not pick Shettima as his running mate in the 2027 election, a move that could cause animosity and sharp divisions.
Rumors abound that the President is considering the North West geopolitical zone for a potential replacement, largely due to its significant numerical strength at the polls. The electoral value of a running mate often lies in his ability to generate support and attract votes that can swing the election in the candidate’s favor. In that regard, the North West stands as a strategic stronghold.
The increasing frequency of meetings between President Tinubu and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a two-term Governor of Kano State, has further fueled speculation that Kwankwaso may replace Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 elections.
Undeniably, Kwankwaso fits the profile. His second tenure as Governor was marked by remarkable achievements, and his return to the political scene after an eight-year hiatus culminated in a massive electoral victory. Perhaps the most astonishing feat was the outcome of the 2023 gubernatorial election, which saw Abba Kabir Yusuf emerge victorious in Kano, despite Ganduje’s eight-year incumbency.
Kwankwaso’s political dominance in Kano makes him a formidable ally and a viable running mate for President Tinubu. It is worth recalling that Kwankwaso was among the former PDP Governors who defected to form the APC and thus has earned his place at the decision-making table.
His experience as a former Governor, Senator, Minister, and international envoy to Darfur makes him eminently qualified to serve as a running mate to Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential race.
The ongoing tension between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima must be carefully and amicably managed, to ensure the stability of their administration. Navigating this delicate situation successfully could see Kwankwaso eventually replacing Shettima, thereby giving the North West a strategic place on the national leadership table.
Mahmud Shuaibu Ringim
HALIM Consulting Ltd
mahmudshuaibu44@gmail.com
