Tinubu vs Shettima: Insider Downplays Alleged Rift, Says “No Relationship Is 100%”
Abuja, Nigeria – June 18, 2025
Fresh insights have emerged amid swirling rumors of a rift between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, following growing speculation over internal disagreements at the highest level of Nigeria’s executive leadership.
A second insider, reportedly close to the presidency, has spoken out in a bid to calm concerns, dismissing claims of a serious fallout while admitting that no political relationship is without its tensions.
In an exclusive interview with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the unnamed official said, “There’s no relationship anywhere in the world that is 100 percent perfect. What matters is mutual respect and commitment to shared goals, and both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima still have that.”
The insider’s comments come days after reports circulated that the Vice President was becoming increasingly sidelined in key decision-making processes — particularly on matters related to economic policy and national security. Some analysts have also pointed to recent public appearances where the two leaders were notably distant, fueling further speculation.
President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima ran a tightly coordinated campaign under the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket in the 2023 general elections, defeating Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Their Muslim-Muslim ticket initially sparked debate, but they projected unity and alignment on national development goals.
However, since taking office in May 2023, observers have noted subtle signs of divergence in public speeches and body language. Critics have alleged that Shettima is being excluded from core strategic meetings, while some insiders hint at ideological differences, especially over the President’s handling of the fuel subsidy removal and FX policy reforms.
Earlier this month, the Presidency, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), denied any rift, insisting that both leaders are working in harmony to tackle Nigeria’s pressing challenges. “The Vice President has never been marginalized. He plays a critical role, especially in the economic and digital innovation sectors,” said SGF George Akume.
With the 2027 election season gradually approaching, political analysts are watching the dynamic between Tinubu and Shettima closely. Some suggest that any unresolved tension could open the door to internal power plays within the APC, particularly among governors and party stakeholders loyal to different camps.
Yet others say the alleged rift is likely overblown, arguing that political leadership inherently involves friction.
As Nigeria battles inflation, insecurity, and youth unemployment, the nation’s leadership cannot afford deep internal fractures. Many citizens are calling on both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima to remain focused on delivering their mandate rather than fueling unnecessary controversy.
Whether the recent statements will finally put the speculation to rest remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: unity at the top remains crucial to Nigeria’s fragile political and economic stability
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