2027: Shettima and Ganduje Assigned New job Amidst Concerns of North to Take Over from Tinubu
As the 2027 presidential election nears, President Bola Tinubu is reportedly making concerted efforts to regain the support of northern politicians who have voiced dissatisfaction with his administration. According to an anonymous northern political figure who spoke with FIRST CLASS GISTS, Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje have been given the task of engaging with discontented northern stakeholders.
This development follows growing concerns among northern political leaders about the perceived marginalization of northern interests under the current administration. Issues raised include alleged exclusion from key federal appointments and governance roles, leading to some northern leaders expressing regret over their support for Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election.
The source stated, “Several prominent figures felt sidelined in appointments, which has led some to oppose Tinubu’s re-election. However, we remain unfazed. Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and I are all committed to addressing these grievances. We are actively engaging with key stakeholders to ensure support for Tinubu in the North.”
Last week, Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed also contributed to the debate by advocating for a northern leader in 2027. He stated he would abandon his presidential ambitions if former President Goodluck Jonathan agreed to run, citing Jonathan’s experience and potential to rejuvenate the economy.
Former Minister of Communication and prominent APC member Adebayo Shittu, however, cautioned against such calls for change. He remarked, “Any calls for a shift in government should wait until the current administration completes its term. Jonathan, like others, is free to contest in 2027, but there will be no election before then. If Jonathan had performed well, he wouldn’t have been voted out after six years in office.”
Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani warned against the motivations behind the northern elites’ push for power, suggesting it is driven more by personal interests than by the region’s needs. He stated, “If President Tinubu effectively addresses key issues such as security, education, and poverty in the North, no elite opposition will prevent his re-election in 2027. The current desperation for a power shift is largely fueled by personal grievances of some elites.”
Prince Adedayo Adeyeye, a former Minister of State for Works and National Coordinator of the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju, expressed confidence in Tinubu’s position. “President Tinubu has ample loyalists to counter any opposition,” he said. “As we approach 2027, I am confident that Nigerians will support his re-election.”
