Duhu’s Rebuttal to Onanuga’s Claims on VP Shettima’s Endorsement

By Emmanuel Kwada

Dr. Umar D. Duhu, a prominent political commentator, has sharply criticized the presidency’s stance on Vice President Kashim Shettima’s exclusion from endorsements for the 2027 presidential election, calling out Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, for what he describes as “misguided and selective” reasoning.

In a strongly worded statement, Dr. Duhu challenged Onanuga’s recent Daily Trust interview, where the presidential aide dismissed speculation about Shettima’s omission from endorsements as a “non-issue” and argued that mentioning the vice president’s name at this stage is “undemocratic.”

Duhu countered, “If mentioning VP Shettima’s name is undemocratic, then it logically follows that mentioning President Tinubu’s name for the 2027 election is equally undemocratic and should be discontinued. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.”

Duhu described Onanuga’s justification—rooted in the presidential system’s protocol of selecting a running mate only after the candidate’s nomination—as “unconvincing.”

What is good for the goose is good for the gander

He emphasized that Shettima has been a “loyal and dedicated partner” to Tinubu, and the presidency’s silence on his endorsement has fueled legitimate concerns among Nigerians.

Rejecting Onanuga’s characterization of speculation about a rift between Tinubu and Shettima as “beer parlour gossip,” Duhu urged the presidency to address the issue transparently.

“The presidency’s selective application of democratic principles and its attempt to silence discussions about VP Shettima’s endorsement are unjustified,” he said, noting that Tinubu reportedly faces no opposition in the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 primary contest.

With no challenger within the party, what harm could possibly come from mentioning the Tinubu/Kashim team at this stage?

“With no challenger within the party, what harm could possibly come from mentioning the Tinubu/Kashim team at this stage?” he questioned.

Duhu warned that the presidency’s continued silence risks exacerbating political tensions and deepening divisions within the APC and the nation.

“I truly smell a smoking gun, and it appears that there may be more to this story than meets the eye,” he stated, suggesting that the omission of Shettima’s name could signal underlying issues.

“Leaving out his name will further polarize the polity, creating unnecessary tensions and divisions within the party and the country at large.”

I truly smell a smoking gun, and it appears that there may be more to this story than meets the eye

Calling for accountability, Duhu urged the presidency to break its silence and reaffirm Shettima’s role in the 2027 election to promote unity and cohesion.

“The Nigerian public deserves transparency from their leaders. It is imperative that the presidency acknowledges VP Shettima’s candidacy to prevent further escalation of these tensions,” he concluded.

As the debate over Shettima’s political future intensifies, Duhu’s remarks highlight growing unease about the APC’s internal dynamics and the Tinubu administration’s approach to the 2027 election, raising questions about the stability of the ruling party’s ticket.

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