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An obvious storm is brewing inside Aso Rock. And at the center of it is Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who is said to be increasingly angry with his boss, President Bola Tinubu, and the cabal surrounding him at the seat of power in Abuja.
From being sidelined in core governance decisions to learning of secret plots to replace him ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Shettima’s silence is cracking.
Senior political watchers in Abuja tell me that the Vice President may be gearing up for the political fight of his life — and it could shake the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to its very foundations.
But that's not all. A major realignment is underway as the new opposition platform — the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — has emerged as a rallying point for powerful figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and potentially, Kashim Shettima himself.
Now, let me unpack the power tussle that’s threatening to redefine Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027 for you.
Shettima Sidelined: A Vice President in the Dark
Multiple sources within the presidency say Vice President Shettima has grown increasingly uncomfortable with how governance is being run under Tinubu. Once a trusted political ally, Shettima is now reportedly being excluded from key decision-making processes, especially in financial matters and strategic planning.
It’s one thing to be Vice President in title, and another to actually be involved in governance.
In Shettima’s case, it appears his role has been reduced to ceremonial functions, with a growing number of key decisions being made by an inner circle close to the President.
This lack of transparency and exclusion is said to be causing serious concern, especially regarding how Nigeria’s commonwealth is being spent.
Whispers of Replacement: Tinubu’s 2027 Calculation
Even more troubling for Shettima is the rumor of a secret plan within the Tinubu camp to replace him as running mate in the 2027 election. Trusted insiders confided in me that, the President’s advisers are quietly weighing new options — seeking a running mate from a different state, most likely Kano, to get someone they feel can boost Tinubu's waning popularity.
For Shettima, this feels like betrayal. And it’s making him reconsider his options.
The ADC Factor: A New Political Home?
Enter the ADC — a political party that is now experiencing a surge in relevance, thanks to the sudden interest of top opposition leaders. The led to the Presidency crying out against Nasir El-Rufai and others for plotting to remove Tinubu from power in 2027.
But in a surprising turn of events, VP Shetima openly declared at a book launch that those now in the ADC “are all one” with him.
Now, imagine this: a Northern heavyweight like Shettima, a Southern reformist like Obi, a political tactician like Atiku, and a technocrat like El-Rufai, all under one roof. That’s the sort of political chemistry that could shake the foundations of Aso Rock.
Rivers State Crisis: Shettima Speaks Out
The cracks between Tinubu and Shettima became even more visible recently as he referenced the political unrest in Rivers State. President Tinubu suspended the sitting governor, Sim Fubara, allegedly to protect the interests of his loyalist and FCT minister, Nyesom Wike.
In a thinly veiled public rebuke, Shettima declared that “the President has no constitutional power to remove an elected governor, not even a Councilor.”
These weren’t just idle words. Shettima used the moment to draw parallels with his own political survival, recounting how former President Goodluck Jonathan had once tried to remove him as Borno State Governor. According to Shettima, he was only saved because then Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal and the courageous Minister of Justice, Belo Adoke, who rightly told Jonathan he had no such powers.
This wasn’t just a historical anecdote — it was a hit below the belt against Tinubu.
A Vice President’s Rebellion
While Shettima hasn’t resigned or formally defected from APC, many of his recent comments and body language suggest a rebellion is underway.
He’s increasingly becoming a voice for constitutional democracy, transparency, and inclusion — principles many critics feel Tinubu is undermining through backdoor politics and centralised control.
And with Nigeria known as a country where alliances shift faster than you can say “coalition,” Shettima’s discontent could become the foundation for a new political romance with the likes of El-Rufai and Peter Obi.
Could ADC Become the Vehicle for 2027 Change?
What makes the ADC story more intriguing is how it’s quickly becoming the refuge of political titans who have scores to settle with Tinubu’s style of leadership. A quick glance at the three key men;
- Atiku Abubakar still burns with ambition and remains a major force in Northern politics.
- Peter Obi commands massive support among youths and urban voters across the South and middle-belt region.
- Nasir El-Rufai remains influential, particularly in the policy space and among Northern elites.
- And now, if Shettima joins this emerging alliance, the ADC could finally have both populist appeal and regional balance.
My knowledge of Nigeria's politics tells me that timing is everything. And the ADC may just be in the right place at the right time.
Tinubu’s Dilemma: Is the APC Cracking?
For President Tinubu, this brewing rift couldn’t come at a worse time. At the moment, his government is grappling with:
- Growing inflation
- Widespread insecurity
- Public dissatisfaction over fuel subsidy removal
- A weak Naira
- And a volatile political space
The last thing he needs is an open rebellion from his Vice President — someone he handpicked, trusted, and counted on to stabilize the North.
But the truth is, APC is not as united as it appears. Many of its former governors, senators, and even ministers are openly building alliances outside the party, sensing that the Tinubu era may not last beyond 2027.
2027: A Political Storm on the Horizon
Here’s what we’re likely to see play out:
Shettima may stay in APC for now but begin actively working behind the scenes to support the opposition coalition.
The ADC may emerge as the official party of opposition unity — bringing together heavyweight northern and southern political blocks.
Tinubu may rush to restructure his inner circle, possibly announcing new projects, appointments, or alliances to lure a few greedy politicians.
Conclusion: Can Tinubu survive?
As things stand, the 2027 election is not looking like a smooth ride for President Tinubu. His house is no longer in order. With alliances forming, old foes reuniting, and the ADC rising like a phoenix, the stage is set for what could be Nigeria’s most unpredictable presidential election since 1999.
Stay with the political desk of Ai Software and Travel Blog for more reports, as Nigeria’s political chessboard is experiencing a big shift.
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