A senior figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Haruna Yerima, has warned that any move to alter the Tinubu/Shettima presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections could seriously damage the party’s chances. In a statement released in Abuja, Yerima said the joint ticket remains a strong political asset and should not be tampered with if the APC wants to retain power.

Yerima argued that those pushing for changes are mostly the same people who opposed the Tinubu/Shettima ticket before the 2023 elections. According to him, such individuals are acting out of personal interest rather than the party’s collective good. He described the agitation as dangerous, warning that internal divisions could hand the opposition an easy victory if not checked early.

Addressing calls for a possible replacement based on zoning or religious considerations, Yerima dismissed claims that foreign narratives, including alleged comments about Christians by former US President Donald Trump, should influence Nigeria’s political decisions. He insisted that Nigeria’s leadership choices must remain independent, adding that the North-Central region is already well represented through key federal appointments.

The APC chieftain also praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing him as loyal, competent and politically sound. He said Shettima has proven himself as a reliable deputy to President Bola Tinubu and remains an asset to the administration. Yerima’s comments come amid concerns raised in some quarters over Shettima’s visibility within party activities, particularly after his absence from banners at a recent APC stakeholders’ meeting in the North-East.