2027 Presidency: APC Retains Shettima as Tinubu’s Running Mate
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election, bringing an end to months of speculation over the composition of the ruling party’s presidential ticket.
The announcement came as the APC formally presented the nomination forms of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ahead of the deadline for presidential candidates. The development signals the party’s decision to maintain the same leadership team that secured victory in the 2023 general election.
For months, political observers had speculated that the APC might replace Shettima with another northern politician in an effort to reshape its electoral strategy. The rumours intensified following debates over the party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket and growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. However, the official unveiling has now put those speculations to rest.
Following the confirmation, Vice President Shettima paid a visit to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he reportedly expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him. Senior party leaders also used the occasion to reaffirm their confidence in the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, expressing optimism that the APC would retain power in the next general election.
The decision is expected to shape the political landscape as parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections. Analysts believe retaining Shettima provides continuity within the APC and eliminates uncertainty over one of the party’s most important strategic decisions. Attention is now expected to shift to opposition parties as they finalise their own presidential tickets and campaign strategies.
With the race for Aso Rock gradually taking shape, political negotiations, coalition talks, and policy debates are expected to dominate Nigeria’s political space in the coming months. As parties position themselves for what promises to be another fiercely contested election, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the major contenders present their vision for the country’s future.
The retention of Vice President Kashim Shettima marks a significant milestone in the APC’s early campaign preparations and sets the stage for what is expected to be an intense battle for the presidency in 2027.
