The Traffic

Quiet Cracks: Inside the rumoured Tinubu–Shettima rift

There's speculation about a rift between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, with some pointing to Tinubu's recent actions and public appearances.

By Rhalialt Arhuoizah 

Here are some key points :
- *Limited Role for Shettima*: Shettima hasn't been allowed to lead national economic policy or high-profile councils, with Tinubu instead taking on these roles himself. For instance, Tinubu chaired the June 2024 National Economic Council, relegating Shettima to a seemingly ceremonial role.
- *Public Appearances*: When Tinubu travels, Shettima doesn't often fill the vacuum publicly, sparking questions about their working relationship.
- *Zulum's Rising Voice*: Babagana Zulum, Borno State governor and a perceived Shettima ally, has publicly rejected Tinubu's tax reform, while Shettima remained silent. This has led some to wonder if Zulum is speaking for both himself and Shettima or positioning himself as an alternative voice from the North East.
- *Tinubu's History*: Tinubu changed deputies three times during his eight-year tenure as Lagos governor, suggesting he's not averse to making changes if politics demands it.
- *2027 Speculations*: The rumored rift might be connected to the 2027 elections, with some speculating about potential changes in the APC's ticket.

Despite these speculations, both the Presidency and Shettima's office have denied any rift. Shettima's media team described reports of him being denied access to the Presidential Villa as "entirely false and intentionally misleading". The Presidency has also dismissed rumors of a rift, affirming a strong collaboration between Tinubu and Shettima .