The National Spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu's son, Seyi Tinubu, wields more influence in the current administration than Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Mohammed made the remarks while reacting to President Tinubu's decision to retain Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking in an interview with *Daily Post*, he said the decision would not give the All Progressives Congress (APC) any electoral advantage, describing it as a familiar political choice.
"Ordinarily, some people would have expected the President to pick someone who is more formidable or someone who could bring more votes to the ticket. But to us, it is a familiar route," he said.
Mohammed argued that Shettima's retention was driven more by the President's convenience than political strategy.
"As far as the President is concerned, his son is even much more powerful in this government than Shettima himself. Those who see that believe the President is simply picking him for his convenience, not because of what he feels Shettima is going to add," he said.
He also said the Muslim-Muslim ticket would no longer have the same appeal among voters, particularly in northern Nigeria.
"The Muslim-Muslim ticket deceived so many people, especially those from the North, during the last election. But it ended in disappointment. I don't think it will be an advantage again."
According to Mohammed, many Nigerians have shifted their focus from religious considerations to leadership competence and performance.
"People have realised that it is not about religion. It is about competence, sincerity and what you intend to do. Governance is about solving people's problems irrespective of who is affected."
The Kwankwasiyya spokesman also questioned the Vice President's impact in the Tinubu administration, saying it was difficult to identify any significant contribution made by Shettima.
"If you want to measure Shettima's contribution to this government, it is difficult because he has not been given the opportunity to contribute, even if he can," Mohammed said.
He added that Shettima's role had largely been limited to representing the government at official events.
"Whenever they feel someone needs to speak, they send him there to do the talking, and that's all."
Mohammed further criticised the administration's handling of insecurity and poverty in northern Nigeria, arguing that there had been little improvement since the government assumed office.
"As far as the electorate are concerned, starting from his home state to the entire North, I don't think anybody can confidently say this is what the Vice President has done to help the government or improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians who continue to struggle with insecurity and other challenges," he said.
President Tinubu announced on Friday that Shettima would remain his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
