Prominent Islamic scholar and spiritual leader, Sheik Sani Yahaya Jingir, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to remove Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying he will withdraw his support if such a move happens.
Sheik Jingir, who is also the National Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), made this clear during a religious gathering at Yantaya Mosque in Jos, Plateau State.
The respected cleric, who strongly backed Tinubu and Shettima during the 2023 elections, expressed concern over rising speculation that the Vice President’s position is under threat.
“I have learnt that some unpatriotic people within and outside the APC are trying to destroy the bond between Tinubu and Shettima. That is not a welcome development,” he said.
Sheik Jingir said his support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket was based on the agreement that Tinubu and Shettima would work together throughout their term.
“I supported them without collecting a single kobo. Though I have a close relationship with Atiku Abubakar, I still chose Tinubu and Shettima because I believed in their ticket,” he stated.
He dismissed rumours of a rift between the President and his Vice, calling them the work of enemies who want to divide the government.
Jingir warned President Tinubu not to fall for advice from people urging him to change his running mate before the next election.
“Those suggesting Shettima be dropped are enemies of progress,” he said. “If he’s removed, I won’t support Tinubu again in 2027.”
The comments come amid internal political speculations in the APC about the future of the Tinubu-Shettima partnership, with some party insiders reportedly pushing for changes ahead of the next polls.
Sheik Jingir’s remarks reflect concerns among northern Islamic leaders who played a key role in mobilising support for Tinubu during the 2023 elections. His position may influence voters in northern Nigeria, especially among followers of the JIBWIS movement.