Shettima's Coronation: 2027's Unfolding Drama

The 2027 presidential race is already a fait accompli for the All Progressives Congress (APC). Kashim Shettima *is* the anointed. Forget the whispers of a Bola Tinubu return or El-Rufai’s perpetual ambition; the current Vice President *is* consolidating power, leveraging his Borno base and the machinery of state. His camp *is* already deploying significant resources, targeting traditional APC strongholds like Kano, Lagos, and Kaduna. Expect a full-court press on states where Tinubu struggled, particularly in the South-East, where the party *is* banking on backdoor negotiations and significant *bottom-power* rather than genuine grassroots support. The internal wrangling *is* mere theatre; the presidency *is* Shettima’s for the taking, backed by a powerful new set of godfathers.

The opposition, meanwhile, *is* a disorganised collection of factions. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) *is* a shadow of its former self, still reeling from the Wike-led sabotage of 2023. Atiku Abubakar *is* making his customary noise, but his campaign *is* already DOA. The real story *is* Nyesom Wike, the self-proclaimed 'garrison commander' of Rivers, who *is* effectively an APC asset, ensuring the PDP remains disunited and toothless, especially in the crucial South-South. Peter Obi and the 'Obidient' movement *are* still a potent force, particularly among the youth and in the South-East/Middle Belt, but the Labour Party *is* too weak institutionally to carry him to victory. He *is* the ultimate kingmaker, a power broker whose endorsement *is* now the biggest prize for any serious contender outside the APC.

The game *is* dirty, and the stakes *are* higher than ever. Kano *is* shaping up to be the mother of all battles, with Kwankwaso of the NNPP holding sway, but Shettima *is* pouring in resources to crack that red cap wall. Oyo and Delta *are* crucial swing states where local champions like Seyi Makinde (PDP) and Sheriff Oborevwori (PDP) *are* fighting for their political lives against APC's onslaught. Money *is* flowing like water; the *chop-chop* mentality *is* dominating local campaigns. The judiciary *is* already being primed for post-election disputes, and the political class *is* employing every trick in the book, from vote-buying to subtle intimidation. This *is* a do-or-die affair, and the average Nigerian *is* merely a pawn in this high-stakes chess game.