Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, has called on President Bola Tinubu to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the 2027 general election, stressing that the president should remain steadfast in his choice.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday, Abati said recent remarks by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, regarding the political implications of changing the Vice President were neither offensive nor inappropriate.

Abati noted that Musawa had rightly highlighted that altering the ticket could affect political calculations in the North, particularly among Kanuri and Hausa-Fulani voters.

He said, “Hannatu Musawa was very courageous to point out that changing the Vice President would shift the political equation, especially in the politically sensitive North. There is nothing offensive in what she said.

“The APC leadership seems to be missing the point. There has been a consistent attempt to downplay the Tinubu-Shettima Muslim-Muslim ticket. President Tinubu must have the courage to stand by his choice as he did in 2023. It is not Donald Trump who will determine Nigeria’s political decisions.”

Abati’s comments come amid speculation over the possibility of a change in Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 election, a move some analysts warn could disrupt the party’s calculations in key northern states.