How Governor Zulum Gave Tinubu Six Month Ultimatum Over Shettima, Threatened To Quit APC

Borno state governor Babagana Umara Zulum allegedly gave president Bola Ahmed Tinubu a six-month ultimatum over vice president Kashim Shettima’s political future.

Reliant.ng gathered from an insider who is privy to the development that professor Zulum informed president Bola Ahmed Tinubu after the northeast political rally for president Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection on 15th of June, that he will quit his membership to the All Progressive Congress (APC) if the presidency fails to assure vice president Kashim Shettima that he will retain his position as president Tinubu’s running mate in 2027 presidential election.

This six month ultimatum to the president from governor Zulum expired on January 1st, 2026 while the president is yet to decide whether or not he would retain Kashim Shettima as his running mate.

Hence, a source close to governor Zulum reveals that the governor is skeptical about fulfilling his threat especially as the main opposition party – African Democratic Congress (ADC) though appears appealing but currently lacks the political muscle to defeat president Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Governor Zulum who is likely carrying out the intention of his political mentor, the vice president aimed to arm twist president Bola Ahmed Tinubu into giving assurances on the political future of vice president Kashim Shettima.

There are speculations that the president is considering choosing a running mate from the north central or the northwest Nigeria’s geopolitical regions. According to report, the president faces pressure from president Donald Trump who is averse to Nigeria’s president being a Muslim while his deputy is also a Muslim. Reports say president Trump has mandated his Nigeria’s counterpart to seek a christian vice president in 2027 for proper representation and balance in the Nigeria’s presidency.

Hence, ex-army chief of staff, general Christopher Gwabin Musa currently serving as Nigeria’s minister of defence and who hails from Kaduna State–northwest geopolitical zone has been linked to the vice presidential position.

Also, the current national chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda from Plateau State, north central, is said to be in the president’s watchlist and being considered as an alternative to vice president Kashim Shettima