APC Chieftain Eze Slams Tinubu Over Shettima’s Role: “He’s Been Reduced to Attending Weddings, Burial Ceremonies”

 

The simmering tension within Nigeria’s political landscape has taken a new twist as a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, voiced strong disapproval over what he described as the marginalization of Vice President Kashim Shettima by the Tinubu-led administration.

Eze, who once served as the National Publicity Secretary of the now-defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), did not mince words in expressing his dissatisfaction with the treatment meted out to the Vice President, who he says has been reduced to a figurehead performing ceremonial duties.

Criticism was sharply directed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose repeated failure to formally delegate presidential powers to Shettima during his foreign travels, according to Eze, reflects a disturbing disregard for both constitutional procedures and the dignity of the Vice Presidency.

While Eze emphasized that he does not consider himself an admirer or political ally of Shettima, he maintained that his stance stems from a patriotic concern for the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. He stated emphatically that the ongoing situation is both “unacceptable” and “sad,” especially for a man of Shettima’s political pedigree and national stature.

Voicing his frustration, Eze lamented, “It is heartbreaking that a Vice President, a key figure in the administration of this country, has been relegated to a mere attendee of weddings and funerals. This should not be the role of someone occupying such an exalted office.”

He went on to highlight the broader implications of this trend, suggesting it undermines not only Shettima’s office but the entire framework of constitutional governance. The refusal to hand over authority during the President’s absences, he argued, sets a dangerous precedent and signals a troubling concentration of executive power.

“The President has traveled out of the country on numerous occasions. Yet, there has been no public or formal communication of power being transferred to the Vice President, as stipulated in the constitution,” Eze noted. “This act is not only condemnable but violates the spirit and letter of the nation’s foundational legal document.”

The veteran politician warned that Nigeria’s democracy could suffer further erosion if such practices continue unchecked. According to him, the Vice President is not just a political spare wheel to be rolled out for ceremonial functions, but an elected official constitutionally empowered to act on behalf of the President when circumstances demand.

Despite his criticism, Eze expressed sympathy for Shettima, whom he believes may be silently enduring the current political arrangement without voicing his own frustrations. “He may not have the courage to voice out his concerns, but those who love this country must not stay silent,” Eze declared.

As one of the more vocal internal critics within the ruling party, Eze’s comments are expected to spark debate across political circles, especially among those advocating for institutional respect and constitutional fidelity. His intervention adds to growing concerns about the balance of power within the current administration and raises questions about the President’s adherence to democratic norms.

Whether Eze's remarks will prompt a change in the administration’s approach remains to be seen. However, they have undoubtedly reignited discussion about the Vice President’s role and the need to uphold the sanctity of Nigeria’s constitutional order, regardless of political expediency.