Former Political Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has cautioned that selecting a Vice President from Nigeria's North-West region would be "too risky" for the President ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today on Wednesday, Baba-Ahmed explained that such a move could potentially create political complications, particularly since former President Muhammadu Buhari, who hails from the same region, only recently completed his eight-year tenure.
"The President cannot go to the Northwest because the late Buhari just finished his eight years; going to the Northwest is a bit risky," Baba-Ahmed stated during the interview.
While discussing potential alternatives, Baba-Ahmed suggested that Kano State could be considered, but noted significant electoral challenges there as well. "If he wants he can go to Kano, but the gap between the NNPP and APC in Kano in 2023 is just 500k. For the population of Kano, that is not too much. So, what do you gain if you pick somebody from Kano compared to what you lose if a lot of people vote against your party?"
The comments come amid growing speculation that President Tinubu might select a new running mate for the 2027 presidential election. Political observers have identified Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, as a potential vice-presidential candidate.
Adding fuel to these rumors, Kwankwaso was recently spotted at the Presidential Villa attending an event where Vice President Kashim Shettima was the speaker. Notably, Kwankwaso declined to speak with journalists after the event.
Baba-Ahmed further warned that changing the Vice President could potentially cause discontent among Muslim voters, suggesting that religious considerations also play a significant role in this political calculation.
As the 2027 election cycle approaches, President Tinubu's choice of running mate will likely be scrutinized for its potential impact on regional balance, religious representation, and electoral strategy in Nigeria's complex political landscape.
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