Activist and president of the North Central Youth Council, Sunday Asuku, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima with a Christian candidate in the 2027 general election.

In a statement on Monday, Asuku stressed that Tinubu’s choice of vice president could make or break his chances for re-election. He argued that selecting a Christian vice president would not only be symbolic but also a strategic and unifying move for Nigeria’s democracy.

Asuku mentioned that the 2027 elections will be a crucial test of Nigeria’s commitment to unity and inclusivity. He pointed out that the Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 elections created division, and that addressing this imbalance with a Christian running mate would help strengthen national cohesion.

He went on to say that religious balance in leadership is still a vital necessity in Nigeria’s diverse society. “Tinubu has a chance to correct the mistake of 2023 and make a strong statement of inclusion. This opportunity should not be missed,” Asuku said.

Sam Amadi, former chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, has expressed concern over the increasing attacks on Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, by top government officials.

Amadi pointed out that while Nigerian politicians focus on attacking Obi, he continues to highlight the country’s pressing issues, particularly its poor socio-economic state. He shared his views in a post on X, noting that it has become common for members of the current administration to target Obi, despite his focus on the broader problems facing Nigeria, rather than personal conflicts.

Amadi stated recent criticisms of Obi from the Presidency, Lagos State Governor, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio as examples of this troubling pattern. Obi’s comment about the “labour of our heroes past” being in vain, a remark reflecting on the country’s dismal situation, had sparked sharp reactions, including accusations from Akpabio that Obi was disrespecting Nigeria’s founding fathers. The Lagos State Governor also criticized Obi for his comments about the country’s economic direction during a recent overseas appearance, and the Presidency had earlier dismissed his proposals for governance reform.

Amadi, however, countered these attacks, emphasizing that while government officials focus on discrediting Obi, the former governor remains focused on addressing Nigeria’s structural challenges and the urgent need for reform. He added, “If elections were a purely rational exercise, Peter Obi is so far the only candidate who ought to be elected.”

Amadi lamented about the excessive attention being given to Obi by top government figures, pointing out that Obi’s campaign has remained free of personal attacks, instead advocating for a vision of national renewal based on accountability, economic reform, and responsible leadership.

Activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has stirred fresh political conversation by referring to Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, as a stumbling block to Atiku Abubakar’s ambitions. Adeyanju believes Obi played a key role in preventing Atiku from winning the 2023 presidential election—and he’s confident history will repeat itself in 2027.

Back in 2019, Atiku and Obi were on the same ticket under the PDP but failed to unseat then-President Muhammadu Buhari. After that loss, Obi parted ways with the PDP and ran for president under the Labour Party in 2023, where he finished third.

Taking to X, Adeyanju shared his blunt view: “Obi is the weapon formed against Atiku. He blocked his path to the presidency before, and he’ll do it again. Stop championing people who won’t even lift a finger for themselves. Don’t overdo it—relax.”