By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Salihu Isa Nataro, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that such a move, particularly on religious grounds, could distract the President and deepen internal divisions within the ruling party.

Nataro spoke on Monday during an interaction with journalists in Abuja, where he addressed growing speculations surrounding the 2027 presidential ticket.

He said the President currently enjoys a good working relationship with Vice President Shettima and should not allow political pressure to undermine what he described as a productive partnership.

“I do not see any credible reason for the ongoing calls for a Christian running mate for President Tinubu in 2027. There is no day the President has uttered a single word of disapproval for his Vice President.

“Therefore, the issue of replacing Shettima or nursing the intention to bring any other person on religious ground has not arisen and may not be entertained, because the world is changing and Nigerian youths are progressive and fully supports competence and capacity.

“If the situation changes to warrant the APC to change its tactics, it will not be anybody else, but Vice President Shettima who would willingly offer to step down, or the APC and the President’s strategists devising alternative pathways they deem fit to win the election.

“So, Mr President can, if he wishes, decide to bring fresh blood into the ticket. But there is also the possibility that that will automatically bring short-term internal division, because those pushing for the replacement may be defectors or betrayers. And we must overcome it immediately.

“Nigerians have overgrown the sentiment of choosing its leaders based on religious or ethnic considerations,” Nataro said.

On speculations linking him to an ambassadorial appointment to Turkey, Nataro dismissed the reports, saying the confusion arose from mistaken identity during the Senate screening of nominees.

Beyond politics, Nataro urged President Tinubu to consider providing long-term agricultural loans directly to young Nigerians, arguing that such an approach would prevent state governments from misdirecting the funds and would boost food production.

He said Nigeria must urgently focus on industrialisation and massive food production, while commending the Tinubu administration for efforts he said were helping to moderate food prices, attract foreign investment and introduce proportionate taxation.

Nataro also commended Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf for what he described as the courage to resist the influence of political godfathers and return to the APC.