2027: Baba-Ahmed urges Tinubu to end speculation over Shettima’s future

Hakeem Baba Ahmed, a former presidential aide has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly address growing speculation that Vice President Kashim Shettima may be dropped ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Baba-Ahmed criticised the President’s silence, warning that it is fueling unnecessary tension, especially in the North.

“I’m curious about the source of these persistent rumours about dropping Shettima. Frankly, the President should have dealt with this a long time ago,” he said.

While presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga dismissed the rumours in June, Baba-Ahmed insisted that only a direct statement from President Tinubu can put the matter to rest.

“Just one statement from the President saying, ‘I have confidence in my Vice President,’ would’ve ended this. But he hasn’t said that—and neither have his aides,” he noted.

He warned that continued silence may deepen political divisions and give room for dangerous narratives based on ethnicity or religion.

“It needs to come directly from the President, and it must be firm and clear,” he added.

With political alignments already shifting ahead of 2027, Baba-Ahmed’s remarks underscore mounting pressure on the presidency to clarify its stance on Shettima’s future.