Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Political Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, has cautioned the President against selecting a new Vice President from the Northwest, citing potential political risks. However, he suggested that Kano State could be a viable option despite challenges.

Speaking on Wednesday, Baba-Ahmed highlighted the delicate political dynamics, stating, “The President cannot go to the Northwest because the late Buhari just finished his eight years; going to the Northwest is a bit risky.” He warned that such a move could spark discontent among Muslim communities and disrupt the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s support base.

Baba-Ahmed noted that while Kano could be considered, the decision carries risks. “If he wants, he can go to Kano, but the gap between the NNPP and APC in Kano in 2023 is just 500,000. 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?” he questioned.

Speculation has been rife about President Tinubu potentially replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections. Among the names floated is Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). Kwankwaso’s recent appearance at the Presidential Villa for an event attended by Vice President Shettima fueled these rumors, though Kwankwaso avoided journalists’ questions after the event.

As political permutations intensify, Baba-Ahmed’s remarks underscore the strategic calculations Tinubu must navigate to maintain APC’s dominance. Neither the Presidency nor Kwankwaso has commented on the speculations at the time of this report.