Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former political adviser to President Bola Tinubu, has raised concerns over the president’s refusal to personally dismiss rumours suggesting plans to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite the 2027 polls being two years away, speculation has persisted that Tinubu may drop Shettima as his running mate, with some reports alleging a possible shift to a Northern Christian vice-presidential candidate. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga had earlier dismissed the claims as a “non-issue,” stating that Tinubu would only decide on a running mate after securing the APC’s nomination.
However, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Baba-Ahmed, who resigned from the administration three months ago, argued that the president’s silence fuels uncertainty.
Baba-Ahmed stated: “If these stories about dropping the Vice President have no truth, it would have taken just one thing: the President directly and personally saying, ‘Stop this nonsense. I have confidence in my Vice President, I work well with him, and I want this talk about dropping him to stop.’
‘I will decide on my running mate in 2027 when we get there. For now, we have work to do.’ But he didn’t say that. His people didn’t say that.”
He described the situation as “worrying” and stressed that a firm, direct statement from Tinubu would have dispelled the rumours.
In June, Onanuga had downplayed the speculation, insisting that discussions about the 2027 ticket were premature. However, Baba-Ahmed’s remarks suggest that the administration’s handling of the matter has left room for doubt.
