Shettima says government will balance governance with 2027 politics

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the Federal Government will combine governance with political activity as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. Shettima spoke to journalists after visiting President Bola Tinubu at the President’s Lagos residence. The visit followed Tinubu’s return from New York, where Shettima had represented him at the 2026 United Nations General Assembly.

The meeting was disclosed by Dada Olusegun, the President’s Special Assistant on Social Media. Shettima said he had remained in regular communication with Tinubu during the President’s time abroad, adding that technology enabled leaders to manage government remotely. The Vice President defended the administration’s removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of multiple foreign-exchange rates.

He acknowledged the hardship faced by citizens but said the government was introducing targeted measures to cushion the effects. Shettima said foreign reserves stood at $3.9bn when the administration took office, describing the amount as insufficient to import fuel for one month. He credited Tinubu with having the courage to implement what he called far-reaching reforms.

He also announced a planned e-logistics project in the North-East involving 10,600 electric tricycles, 300 buses and electric taxis. The project, he said, was intended to reduce transportation costs. Additional programmes for students and vulnerable citizens were also being finalised.

“Politics is in the air, but we will combine politics and governance,” Shettima said. He also said the government understood the economic difficulties facing Nigerians and would introduce projects intended to reduce their burden.