As President of the Kashim Shettima National Youth Movement, I feel compelled to respond to the recent statement by the Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah, urging His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to consider replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima with a northern Christian as his running mate in the 2027 general election.
While we acknowledge the democratic right of every group to express their opinions within the public space, it is equally important to respond with clarity, respect, and a commitment to truth and national interest. The statement by the Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah, though perhaps well-intentioned, is misdirected and potentially divisive at a time when Nigeria requires unity, stability, and continuity in leadership more than ever.
1. VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA: A SYMBOL OF UNITY AND COMPETENCE
Vice President Kashim Shettima is not just a politician; he is a statesman who has consistently demonstrated leadership, empathy, and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project. From his days as Governor of Borno State, where he led with courage in the face of insecurity, to his current role as Vice President, Shettima has proven himself as a bridge-builder across religious, ethnic, and regional divides.
His performance in office since 2023 has been marked by strategic interventions in economic policy, youth empowerment, education, and security. He has worked side by side with President Tinubu to drive forward the Renewed Hope Agenda, not as a figurehead, but as a dynamic, pragmatic, and loyal partner. To suggest his replacement not based on performance but purely on religious or regional considerations does a disservice to Nigeria’s collective progress.
2. THE DANGERS OF REDUCING NATIONAL POLITICS TO RELIGIOUS SENTIMENT
Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive on the altar of religious arithmetic. While it is true that balance and inclusion are key to our national cohesion, it is equally true that reducing leadership selection to religious identity alone undermines the principles of merit, experience, and service. Politics in a diverse nation like ours must be guided by competence and capacity, not sectarian interests.
Vice President Shettima is a Muslim from the North, yes — but he has never governed through a religious lens. His track record in inclusive governance is evident. As governor, his administration was one of the most religiously balanced and sensitive in Borno’s history. Today, as Vice President, he continues to champion policies that uplift all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity.
3. 2027 SHOULD BE ABOUT PERFORMANCE, NOT POLITICAL EXPERIMENTS
The 2027 presidential election should not be used to test new political formulas, but rather to consolidate the gains achieved under the Tinubu-Shettima administration. Nigeria needs continuity. It needs leaders who understand the complexities of governance and have already laid a strong foundation for growth.
Kashim Shettima has earned his place on the presidential ticket — not by privilege, but by performance. He complements President Tinubu in vision, strength, and delivery. Replacing him under the guise of “balancing” could disrupt the delicate synergy that currently exists within the leadership team, and by extension, affect national stability.
4. NATIONAL UNITY REQUIRES US TO LOOK BEYOND RELIGION
Unity is not achieved by segmenting the Nigerian people into religious quotas, but by recognizing and promoting leaders who are committed to fairness, justice, and inclusivity. The Shettima we know and support has never discriminated. His life and leadership are defined by tolerance, intellect, humility, and service. These are the values Nigeria needs moving forward.
CONCLUSION
As the President of the Kashim Shettima National Youth Movement, I call on all Nigerians — Muslims and Christians, Northerners and Southerners — to rise above divisive narratives. Let us judge our leaders by the content of their service, not their sect. Let us support a team that is working tirelessly to steer Nigeria towards a better future.
We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain steadfast in his trust in Vice President Shettima. The 2023 mandate was a product of vision and trust — and that trust must be preserved, not sacrificed at the altar of political appeasement.
Nigeria deserves leaders who inspire hope, not fear. Shettima inspires hope. And in 2027, we believe he will continue to do so — alongside President Tinubu — in the service of one united Nigeria.
Signed:
Engr. Mustapha Hassan Obaje
President, Kashim Shettima National Youth Movement.
