2027: Only a Fool Will Contest Against Tinubu, Elections Aren’t Won Online — Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly in control ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that only a reckless politician would attempt to challenge the incumbent president.

Speaking on Friday, Shettima dismissed any serious opposition to Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that electoral victories are built through structure, alliances, and credibility, not online popularity or social media noise.

The Vice President made the remarks during the 15th meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. Party leaders, governors, and top officials were present at the gathering.

According to Shettima, political ambition without strategy and grassroots support is a dead end.

He stressed that Nigeria’s elections are decided by real engagement with voters and strong political coalitions, not trending hashtags.

“Only a fool hell-bent on a suicidal path or an outright imposter can dare to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election. But we are in a democracy, and people are free to contest elections,” he said on Friday.

The Vice President further cautioned against relying on nostalgia or public sentiment shaped online, noting that such approaches have repeatedly failed in Nigeria’s political history.

“But elections are not won by noise or nostalgia. Elections are not conducted, to follow the words of Uba Sani, elections are not conducted on Facebook, on Twitter. They are won by coalitions, credibility, and conviction.”

Shettima praised President Tinubu’s political experience, describing it as a major advantage as preparations for 2027 gradually take shape.

He said the APC is guided by lessons from past elections and remains focused on consolidating its achievements in government.

“With the experience of our president is our shield, and the lessons of the past are our guide. I believe that 2027 is not a gamble; it is a responsibility, and by the grace of God, we shall have a renewable blessing,” Shettima told the gathering.