Group counters Arewa Youth Movement’s call for Northern Christian VP

By Najib Sani, Gombe

The Northeast Youth Stakeholders Forum has countered the Arewa Youth Movement’s recent call for President Bola Tinubu to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima with a Christian from Northern Nigeria for the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement signed by the coordinator of the forum, Comrade Shettima Umar, the forum described the suggestion as misguided and based on flawed assumptions about governance and national unity.

They warned that such calls can only overheat the polity and if heeded by the president, would divide the northern votes and concomitantly affect the chances of the president to win re-election.

According to him, fielding vice president should only be on competence and loyalty rather than religious sentiments.

He said Shettima has been so loyal and supportive to Tinubu warning that changing him would scuttle APC chances in the 2027 elections.

Buttressing their point, the group highlighted Vice President Shettima’s exceptional leadership and governance skills, citing his experience as a seasoned banker, former Commissioner, two-term Governor of Borno and Senator.

“We call on the Arewa Youth Movement to consider the broader implications of their suggestions, focusing on policies that benefit all Nigerians and promoting national unity”, he said.