Sheik Sani Yahaya Jingir, the head of JIBWIS (Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah), has made it clear that he will only support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election if Vice President Kashim Shettima stays on the ticket.

Speaking at Yantaya Mosque in Jos, Plateau State, Sheik Jingir said that removing Shettima from the vice-presidential position would cost Tinubu his backing and possibly that of other supporters.

He reminded everyone that he openly supported Tinubu and Shettima in the 2023 election—even though he has a close relationship with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He explained that he chose Tinubu and Shettima not because of money or personal gain but because of the agreement and unity they showed as a team.

“There were no deals, no money involved. I supported them because they promised to run and work together. Even though I’m close to Atiku, I still chose them,” Jingir said.

The Islamic leader also said that he had heard rumours of tension between the President and the Vice President. However, he believes those rumours are being spread by people who want to cause trouble between the two leaders.

In recent weeks, there has been talk inside the All Progressives Congress (APC) that President Tinubu might choose a new running mate for the 2027 election. But Sheik Jingir is strongly against such a move.

He described those spreading the rumours as “unpatriotic elements” and warned that dividing Tinubu and Shettima could weaken the presidency. According to him, these people do not want the government to succeed and are trying to create confusion.

Sheik Jingir ended by advising President Tinubu to stay united with Shettima and ignore those trying to stir up problems between them.