Vice President Kashim Shettima has issued a stern warning to anyone contemplating a challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, describing such an attempt as “hell-bent on a suicidal path” or the work of “an outright imposter.”
Shettima made the remarks on Friday during the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which took place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. The meeting brought together top party officials to discuss internal strategies, future elections, and the consolidation of party unity ahead of 2027.
“Only a fool, hell-bent on a suicidal path, or an outright imposter can dare to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. But we are in a democracy, and people are free to contest elections,” Shettima said, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and disciplined campaigns.
The vice president stressed that modern elections cannot be won solely through social media campaigns, nostalgia, or rhetorical appeals, but require well-built coalitions, credibility, and public trust. He further highlighted the value of learning from past elections to strengthen the party’s position and ensure consistent governance.
“With the experience of our president as our shield, and the lessons of the past as our guide, I believe 2027 is not a gamble; it is a responsibility. By the grace of God, we shall have a renewable blessing,” Shettima added.
Shettima’s remarks come against the backdrop of the 2023 presidential election, in which President Tinubu, representing the APC, overcame formidable opposition from high-profile candidates including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Despite strong regional and demographic support for his rivals, Tinubu’s victory was attributed to strategic party organisation, effective coalition-building, and nationwide mobilisation.
Political analysts note that Shettima’s comments reflect the APC’s intention to project unity and consolidate support for Tinubu well ahead of the 2027 election cycle. By framing a challenge to the president as politically “suicidal,” Shettima sought to deter potential internal opposition while reinforcing the party’s focus on discipline, coalition management, and strategic alliances.
The vice president also highlighted the need for credibility in governance and campaigns, warning that electoral success requires more than public appeals on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter). According to Shettima, the APC’s experience from 2023 has provided valuable lessons for future political contests, emphasizing that effective campaigns combine organisational strength, voter engagement, and credible messaging.
Shettima’s strong language underscores the APC leadership’s confidence in President Tinubu’s re-election prospects while sending a clear signal to potential challengers both within and outside the party. The ruling party has since formally endorsed Tinubu as its sole candidate for 2027, signalling a concerted effort to maintain party unity and avoid fragmentation ahead of the next election cycle.
Political observers suggest that the vice president’s statement is also a strategic move to deter opportunistic challengers, ensuring that the party can focus on coalition-building, policy delivery, and voter mobilisation rather than internal disputes.
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