APC Chieftain Calls For Vice President Shettima’s Resignation Amid Political Speculation.
In a surprising turn of events, Mallam Salihu Isa Nataro, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has publicly urged Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima to consider resigning from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The call, made on Tuesday, stems from growing speculation regarding Shettima’s relevance within the government, particularly as political manoeuvring intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nataro, a former gubernatorial contender in Kebbi State, expressed admiration for Shettima’s contributions to the administration but suggested that a resignation could serve as a strategic move to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape. “I admire Senator Shettima for the able way he has helped President Tinubu move the administration forward,” Nataro stated. “However, if he has the courage to resign, it could afford the President an opportunity to select a running mate from Southern Nigeria, giving the international community the impression that Nigeria is a united entity.”
The APC chieftain argued that such a move would not only demonstrate Shettima’s goodwill but also bolster President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by fostering national unity. Nataro further suggested that Shettima could pen an “inspiring letter” to the APC National Chairman, declaring his decision not to run alongside Tinubu in 2027 while pledging to mobilise support for the President’s re-election bid in the North-East. “If I were in Shettima’s shoes, I would resign from office,” Nataro said, emphasising that the gesture would reflect gratitude for Tinubu’s decision to select him as running mate in 2022.
The call for resignation comes against the backdrop of reported tensions within the APC, particularly following a controversial North-East stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe on 15 June 2025. During the gathering, the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, endorsed President Tinubu for a second term but failed to mention Shettima, sparking uproar among delegates and fuelling rumours of a rift between the President and his deputy.
However, several APC leaders have dismissed claims of discord. Ismaeel Ahmed, a former member of the party’s Board of Trustees, described such rumours as “malicious” and insisted that Tinubu and Shettima maintain a cordial relationship. “There is trust between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. We are trying to create an issue where there is none,” Ahmed stated during a television interview on 17 June 2025.
In a related development, the South-South Youth Coalition of the APC has condemned attempts to undermine Shettima, reaffirming their support for the Tinubu-Shettima mandate. In a communiqué issued on Monday, the coalition urged party stakeholders to prioritise national interest and allow the administration to complete its term without distraction. “We stand for stability, equity, and competent governance,” the group declared.
Nataro’s remarks have ignited debate about the future of the Tinubu-Shettima partnership. While some view the resignation call as a calculated move to influence the APC’s 2027 strategy, others see it as a reflection of the complex dynamics within Nigeria’s ruling party. The chieftain, however, maintained that Shettima’s exit should be a divisive gesture of goodwill aimed at ensuring the success of Nigeria’s Nigeria’s democratic
As the 2027 elections loom, all eyes are on the APC’s leadership to these developments and how President Tinubu navigates the delicate balance of loyalty, ambition, and party unity. For now, the President’s office has yet to respond to Nataro’s suggestion, leaving room for further speculation about the political future of Vice President Shettima.
