APC Retains Shettima, Ends 2027 Running Mate Speculation Completely
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Rita Onuoha
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially confirmed Vice President Kashim Shettima as the party's vice presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, bringing an end to months of intense speculation over the composition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election ticket.
The confirmation came on Friday as the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, formally received the joint presidential nomination forms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima during a ceremony held at the Continental Hotel in Abuja.
The nomination forms were presented on behalf of President Tinubu by his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Masari, in the presence of senior party officials, governors, lawmakers and other stakeholders.
Among those in attendance were the Chairman of the Progressive Governors' Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State; Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State; Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State; Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State; Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State; and Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, alongside other prominent political figures.
The formal submission and acceptance of the nomination forms effectively concludes the APC's presidential nomination process and confirms that President Tinubu will again contest the 2027 presidential election with Vice President Shettima as his running mate.
The development puts to rest months of political speculation suggesting that the APC leadership was considering replacing Shettima with a northern Christian as part of efforts to broaden the party's electoral appeal ahead of the 2027 elections.
Several names had featured prominently in political discussions, including former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah. Although neither individual was officially linked to the APC's nomination process, their names frequently appeared in political commentaries and media reports as possible alternatives capable of addressing concerns raised by critics of the party's Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket adopted during the 2023 elections.
The Tinubu-Shettima joint ticket generated widespread national debate in 2023, particularly among Christian organisations and religious leaders, who argued that the same-faith ticket did not adequately reflect Nigeria's religious diversity. Despite the criticism, the APC won the presidential election, with the Supreme Court subsequently affirming President Tinubu's victory.
Political analysts say the decision to retain Shettima reflects the APC leadership's preference for continuity, loyalty and political stability as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
According to analysts, the confirmation also signals President Tinubu's confidence in his deputy and removes any uncertainty that could have fuelled internal divisions within the ruling party.
Others believe the early confirmation of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket gives the APC sufficient time to concentrate on nationwide mobilisation, governance and campaign strategy rather than prolonged internal debates over the vice presidential slot.
With Vice President Shettima's official renomination now settled, attention is expected to shift to the opposition parties as they finalise their own strategies and presidential tickets ahead of what promises to be another fiercely contested general election in 2027.
