A prominent Nigerian cleric has called on the country's National Assembly to initiate the removal of Vice President Kashim Shettima, citing alleged persecution of Christians and an "Islamic agenda" within the presidency.
Fiery Allegations from a Church Leader
Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, the regional leader of The Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), made the explosive demand during an interview on Channels Television's Morning Brief programme. Dachomo described the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as a "complete genocide to Christians" in the political sphere.
He urged the relevant authorities to remove Shettima, stating firmly that this action is "the way forward." The cleric alleged that certain elements are on a mission to destroy Nigeria both physically and economically.
International Context and US Pressure
The cleric's comments come against a backdrop of heightened international scrutiny. On Friday, October 31, 2025, United States President Donald Trump announced the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to the killing of Christians by radical Islamists.
This classification by the U.S. State Department is reserved for nations deemed severe violators of religious freedom. Subsequently, in November 2025, President Trump stated he had instructed the U.S. Department of Defence to prepare for potential rapid military action if Nigeria failed to curb the violence against Christians, straining diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Dachomo's Direct Accusations and Warning
In his televised remarks, Reverend Dachomo expressed strong disapproval of the current administration. "Shettima is a Muslim, the president is a Muslim. Is that not complete genocide to Christians in the political world?" he questioned.
He went further, alleging a deliberate plot for control. "They are displaying an Islamic agenda, they want to control the whole country. All Christians should wake up. If care is not taken, one day, these people will force every Christian to become a Muslim," Dachomo warned.
The Path to Removal and Political Background
The constitutional power to remove a sitting Vice President of Nigeria rests solely with the National Assembly through a formal impeachment process. Kashim Shettima previously served as the Governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019 and as Senator for Borno Central from 2019 to 2023.
He assumed the vice presidency on May 29, 2023, after being elected on the ticket with Bola Tinubu, who was declared the winner of the February 2023 presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In his role, Shettima oversees the economic planning team and reports to the president.
Rebuttal from a Former Governor
In related developments, former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, has previously denied accusations linking Vice President Shettima to the creation of the Boko Haram insurgent group. Sheriff labeled such stories as "false in their entirety" and urged the public to disregard them, indicating the politically charged nature of narratives surrounding the Vice President.
The call for Shettima's removal by a respected religious figure marks a significant escalation in the discourse surrounding Nigeria's religious and political dynamics, highlighting deep-seated tensions within the nation.
