Elder statesman and former presidential adviser, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to directly address growing speculation that he plans to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television on Wednesday, Baba-Ahmed voiced concern over the continued silence from the presidency regarding the persistent rumours, which he believes could destabilize the political atmosphere and undermine public trust.
"I would be very curious to find out what it is that makes all these stories about dropping him [Shettima]. I think, somewhere along the line, to be honest, the President should have done something a long time ago," Baba-Ahmed stated.
According to him, the unverified reports that Shettima could be replaced by another northern vice-presidential candidate, potentially a Christian or someone from another region, could have been easily dispelled with a firm and direct statement from Tinubu himself.
"If all these stories about dropping the Vice President... have absolutely no iota of truth, it would have taken just one thing: the President directly and personally saying, 'Stop this nonsense. I have confidence in my Vice President, I work well with him, I am happy with him, and I want this nonsense about me dropping him, now or in the future, to stop," He added.
While presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga dismissed the claims in June, labelling them a "non-issue," Baba-Ahmed insisted that the lack of a clear stance from the President or his inner circle continues to fuel doubt and unnecessary political distraction.
"The President's silence is worrying," Baba-Ahmed said, adding that the uncertainty it creates could affect the administration's stability and its ability to focus on governance.
He concluded by stressing that if Tinubu truly has no intention of changing his running mate, he must say so clearly and unequivocally.
"If what I have said is exactly what the president thinks, he should have said it. If he doesn't say it the way I have, he should have found a way , but it should come from him. It should be direct and it must be emphatic," Baba-Ahmed emphasised.
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