A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governorship aspirant in Kebbi State, Salihu Nataro, has urged Vice President Kashim Shettima to tender his resignation ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing growing concerns over his perceived diminishing influence within the Tinubu administration.

Nataro made the statement in response to recent political developments and speculation surrounding possible adjustments to the APC’s presidential ticket for the 2027 polls. He noted that emerging discussions within party circles indicate that Shettima may no longer enjoy the full confidence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“If he is truly grateful for what President Tinubu did for him by selecting him as running mate in 2022, over several loyal party members, then I believe the honourable thing to do now is to step aside,” Nataro stated.

He emphasized that his call was not motivated by bitterness but by a genuine desire to ensure political harmony within the party and promote the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This should be seen as a gesture of goodwill and loyalty, not out of resentment. It's about the bigger picture, the unity of the party and the progress of the nation,” he added.

Nataro's remarks come in the wake of reports of strategic meetings held in Gombe and other northern states, where influential APC stakeholders allegedly deliberated on potential replacements for the vice-presidential slot ahead of the 2027 contest.

As the political landscape begins to shift in preparation for the next election cycle, analysts say such comments may signal early realignments within the ruling party, as key figures position themselves for influence in the coming years.