The National Spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, has said President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election offers no significant political advantage to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Sunday, Mohammed argued that under the current administration, Seyi Tinubu wields more influence than Vice President Shettima.
He made the remarks while reacting to President Tinubu’s announcement on Friday confirming that Shettima would remain his running mate in the 2027 presidential race.
According to Mohammed, the decision came as no surprise, insisting that the APC had simply chosen to stick with a familiar political formula.
“Ordinarily, some people would have expected the President to pick someone who is more formidable or someone who could bring more votes to the ticket. But to us, it is a familiar route,” he said.
The Kwankwasiyya spokesperson argued that Nigerians, particularly those in the North, had already assessed the Muslim-Muslim ticket based on the experience of the current administration.
“When the Muslim-Muslim ticket was introduced, many people, especially in the North, defended it because it meant something to them. Today, people have seen what that arrangement looks like, and I believe the Muslims themselves are making those judgments,” he said.
Mohammed claimed that retaining Shettima was more about the President’s convenience than electoral strategy.
“We believe picking him is also a convenience for the President. As far as the President is concerned, his son is even much more powerful in this government than Shettima himself. Those who see that believe the President is simply picking him for his convenience, not because of what he feels Shettima is going to add,” he said.
Kwankwasiyya spokesperson maintained that the decision would not strengthen the APC’s chances at the polls.
“I don’t think it is a plus, but to us it is okay because we know very well that we have to do something different for the progress and development of the nation,” he said.
Mohammed also argued that religion would no longer be a deciding factor for many voters.
“The Muslim-Muslim ticket deceived so many people, especially those from the North, during the last election. But it ended in disappointment. I don’t think it will be an advantage again.”
“People have realised that it is not about religion. It is about competence, sincerity and what you intend to do. Governance is about solving people’s problems irrespective of who is affected.”
He questioned Shettima’s contribution to the Tinubu administration
According to him, many Nigerians could not point to any significant impact made by the Vice President.
“If you want to measure Shettima’s contribution to this government, it is difficult because he has not been given the opportunity to contribute, even if he can,” he said.
According to him, the Vice President has largely been limited to representing the government at public events.
“I think the administration has a special role for him. Whenever they feel someone needs to speak, they send him there to do the talking, and that’s all,” Mohammed said.
He further argued that the administration had not addressed key challenges facing the North.
“Insecurity has not improved in the northern part of the country, not even in his own home state. Poverty is still there, the numbers have not changed, and you cannot really point to what he has done to alter the situation.”
Mohammed said many people across the region remained disappointed with the performance of the administration.
“As far as the electorate are concerned, starting from his home state to the entire North, I don’t think anybody can confidently say this is what the Vice President has done to help the government or improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians who continue to struggle with insecurity and other challenges,” he said.
BACKSTORY:
President Bola Tinubu recently put to rest months of speculation over his running mate for the 2027 presidential election by confirming that Vice President Kashim Shettima will remain on the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket.
The announcement followed widespread political discussions and reports suggesting the ruling party could consider replacing Shettima amid growing calculations ahead of the next general election. However, Tinubu’s decision signals the APC’s intention to retain the same Muslim-Muslim ticket that secured victory in the 2023 presidential election.
The Muslim-Muslim ticket has remained a subject of debate since it was unveiled ahead of the 2023 polls. While APC leaders defended the decision as a strategic political choice, critics argued that it failed to reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity and raised concerns about inclusiveness in the country’s highest offices.
Following the President’s confirmation, political stakeholders have continued to assess the implications of retaining the ticket. While APC supporters believe the decision projects stability and continuity within the administration, opposition figures have questioned whether it offers the party any electoral advantage ahead of the 2027 election.
It was against this backdrop that the National Spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, reacted to the development, arguing that retaining Vice President Shettima does not strengthen the APC politically. He further claimed that Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, wields greater influence within the current administration than the Vice President, while also dismissing suggestions that the Muslim-Muslim ticket would provide the ruling party with an advantage in the next presidential election.
