Could Dropping Shettima for a Northern Christian Expand Tinubu’s 2027 Mandate?
In Nigerian politics, the choice of running mate sends a powerful message about trust, strategy and votes needed. Tinubu’s 2023 Muslim-Muslim ticket with Kashim Shettima sparked backlash from northern Christians and the Christian Association of Nigeria. Since mid-2025, pressure from northern Muslim and Christian groups has grown. Calls for a northern Christian vice president highlight risks of losing Middle Belt and South-East votes that went to opposition candidates in 2023. Electoral data shows states like Benue, Plateau and Taraba severely depressed Tinubu’s numbers. A Christian running mate could unlock millions of votes in the Middle Belt, South-East and South-South, potentially turning an 8.8 million majority into a landslide. Yet dropping Shettima carries its own risks. He delivered Borno’s support in 2023 and commands loyalty in the North-East. Influential Islamic bodies and party delegates have resisted replacing him. The final choice must balance Christian gains against Muslim-Muslim ticket loyalty.
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