President Bola Tinubu has officially retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election after the APC formally unveiled the ticket in Abuja.
ABUJA, Nigeria: President Bola Tinubu has formally retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, reaffirming the partnership that secured victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general election. The announcement was made on Friday during a meeting of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and senior party leaders at the Continental Hotel in Abuja.
The official unveiling puts to rest widespread speculation that the President could replace Shettima with another northern politician, particularly a northern Christian, in a bid to alter the religious composition of the APC presidential ticket. Instead, the ruling party opted for continuity, signalling confidence in the Tinubu-Shettima alliance ahead of the 2027 polls.
Party leaders described the decision as one aimed at preserving stability and unity within the APC as preparations intensify for the next general election. President Tinubu also submitted his presidential nomination forms, officially setting the stage for his re-election campaign under the APC platform.
The confirmation comes against the backdrop of weeks of political uncertainty and intense public debate over the vice-presidential position. Reports suggesting possible changes to the ticket had fuelled discussions within political circles and among stakeholders across the country before Friday’s announcement settled the matter.
With the presidential ticket now confirmed, attention is expected to shift to campaign strategy and preparations by both the APC and opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election. Political observers believe the early confirmation of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket gives the ruling party more time to consolidate support nationwide.
The APC’s decision marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape as parties position themselves for the next electoral contest. By retaining Shettima, President Tinubu has chosen continuity over change, setting the tone for what is expected to be a highly competitive race for the presidency in 2027.
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