Pius Nsabe
When Vice-President Kashim Shettima stood behind the podium at a book launch in Abuja on July 10, 2025, the atmosphere seemed routine—another formal event with political heavyweights exchanging compliments and anecdotes. But what emerged from Shettima’s carefully prepared speech was far from ceremonial: it was a layered, historically grounded and constitutionally loaded message—one that sent ripples through the nation’s political architecture.
Although he never named President Bola Tinubu or Governor Siminalayi Fubara directly, Shettima’s remarks had a bearing on the president’s controversial role in orchestrating Fubara’s suspension. His subtle but significant rebuke, veiled in a historical anecdote, has sparked speculation about a deepening rift within the highest levels of government. More importantly, it raises questions about the limits of executive power, internal party tensions, and the future of Nigerian democracy.
On March 18, 2025, Nigerians woke up to reports that President Bola Tinubu had unilaterally removed Siminalayi Fubara, the elected governor of Rivers State and a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The National Assembly swiftly ratified the decision, amidst widespread allegations of inducement and backdoor dealings. A retired naval admiral was installed as interim administrator of the state.
Legal experts and public commentators expressed immediate outrage. “This is not just a breach of process; it’s a direct attack on federalism,” said Professor Ngozi Amadi of the Nigerian Institute for Legal Studies. “There is no provision in our Constitution for a president to remove a governor. Period.”
Using a historical analogy from his time as governor of Borno State, Shettima recalled how former President Goodluck Jonathan once attempted to remove him during the height of Boko Haram’s insurgency in 2013. According to Shettima, it was the courage of then-House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and legal advisors like Adoke that thwarted the plan.
“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was floating the idea of removing this Borno governor (pointing at himself)… Tambuwal had the courage to tell the president: ‘You don’t have the power to remove an elected councillor,’” Shettima said to a round of applause.
He continued, “The president was still unconvinced. He mooted the idea at the Federal Executive Council. Mr Mohammed Adoke told the president: ‘You do not have the power to remove a sitting governor.’ They sought the opinion of another SAN in the cabinet, Kabiru Turaki, who also said: ‘I am of the candid opinion of my senior colleagues.’ That was how the matter was laid to rest.”
Shettima’s closing words carried a powerful undercurrent: “In the last four years of the Jonathan government, I was the public enemy number one. I want to thank you for the courage to forgive those who have offended you.”
Observers quickly picked up on the symbolism. “This was not a slip,” said political analyst Jide Ojo. “Shettima’s remarks were carefully worded, deeply intentional, and meant to register disapproval without triggering direct confrontation.”
For Shettima to issue a public, albeit indirect, disapproval of the president’s action marks a significant departure from the traditional expectation of unity between Nigeria’s president and vice-president.
“This tells us two things,” said Abuja-based columnist Ibrahim Sani. “First, there’s internal dissent. Second, Shettima may be preparing for political life after Tinubu.”
Legal minds across Nigeria have largely welcomed Shettima’s stance.
“Shettima is absolutely right. The constitution is unambiguous,” said Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, former Minister of External Affairs. “His statement might be politically inconvenient, but it’s democratically essential.”
Another legal scholar, Dr. Aminu Modibo of Ahmadu Bello University, added: “The Vice-President has done something rare—he has used his position not to curry favour, but to protect the rule of law. That’s statesmanship.”
Shettima’s comments may also reflect a growing restiveness within the All Progressives Congress (APC). Some younger lawmakers and reformist governors have expressed unease about the party’s increasingly centralised decision-making and its tolerance for democratic shortcuts.
“Many of us were uncomfortable with the Fubara situation,” admitted one APC senator, speaking anonymously. “But nobody wanted to confront the presidency—until Shettima broke the silence.”
Now, emboldened by his remarks, there may be a push within the party for a more constitutionally grounded approach to governance.
“Silence is complicity,” said Senator Daisy Alade of Ondo State. “Vice-President Shettima’s remarks were a timely reminder that loyalty must never override legality.”
Civil society has lauded Shettima’s intervention. “He has done what few in power dare to do—stand on the side of the Constitution,” said Yemi Adamolekun of Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE). “His voice adds weight to the call for accountability and transparency.”
However, a caller on Nigeria Info, Lagos, wondered why it took Shettima this long to speak “ Why is he just coming out now? Is it not too late?”
Even opposition leaders have responded. “We may disagree politically, but on this matter, we agree completely,” said PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba. “Governor Fubara’s removal was a constitutional disaster. Shettima’s words validate what we’ve been saying all along.”
Political watchers now ask: Will this subtle dissent deepen the fracture between Tinubu and Shettima?
“It’s a risk,” said Dr. Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the APC. “Shettima has drawn a line—without crossing it entirely. Whether Tinubu sees that as betrayal or bravery will determine what happens next.”
For now, the presidency has maintained an eerie silence. A request for comment from the president’s media team was not returned at the time of publication.
If internal tensions escalate, 2027 may become even more politically unpredictable. Should Shettima be dropped from the presidential ticket, analysts say he could either retreat quietly—or emerge as a formidable alternative voice.
“Shettima has an opportunity to carve out a new political identity,” said Professor Remi Adebayo of the University of Ibadan. “His speech has already shown he can command national attention—and possibly national support.”
Some believe his message was not just to Tinubu—but to Nigerians. “He’s testing the waters,” said political blogger Tolu Olasupo. “And people are listening.”
Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s speech may not have changed the political order overnight. But in Nigeria—where silence is often the currency of survival—his decision to speak, however subtly, has shifted the landscape.
“He chose his words carefully, but his message was revolutionary,” said lawyer and activist Inibehe Effiong. “He reminded us that this country has a Constitution, and that no one—not even a president—is above it.”
Whether Shettima’s stance will earn him accolades or isolation remains to be seen. But what is certain is that his words will echo for a long time in Nigeria’s halls of power—and in the hearts of those who still believe in democracy.
“We are not just fighting for one governor,” Shettima seemed to say. “We are fighting for the soul of our republic.”