2027 Presidential Race: Tinubu Confirms Shettima as Running Mate, APC Strategizes

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially confirmed Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election, putting an end to months of intense speculation regarding the party's vice-presidential choice. The decision was formally unveiled in Abuja, quashing concerns that had arisen following the Muslim-Muslim ticket utilized in the 2023 election cycle.

The confirmation came during the submission of the duly completed joint nomination forms for both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima to the APC National Working Committee (NWC), forms intended for onward transmission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Ibrahim Masari, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, formally presented these crucial documents on behalf of the President, reaffirming the party's chosen leadership for the upcoming polls.

Masari explicitly stated, “I am here on behalf of our father, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to submit his nomination forms, duly completed and signed, together with the sworn affidavit for Mr President and Vice President Kashim Shettima.” This act solidified the party's stance and commitment to the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.

Prominent party figures were quick to voice their unwavering support. Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, spoke on behalf of APC governors, emphasizing their collective unity behind Tinubu’s re-election bid. Uzodimma lauded the achievements of the current administration and pledged the governors' dedication to securing an APC victory in 2027.

Echoing this sentiment, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, declared President Tinubu was already poised for victory. Yilwatda highlighted the party’s significant strength and the administration’s successes as foundations for widespread public support. He confidently asserted that “Millions of Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones are waiting to vote for Mr President in 2027,” citing anticipation from various demographics including farmers and students.

Prof. Yilwatda further underscored the party's robust membership base, claiming it exceeded 12 million verifiable members. He urged party leaders to redouble their efforts in publicizing the administration's accomplishments to ensure President Tinubu's re-election. In a post on X, he described the event as a “defining moment that reaffirmed our collective resolve to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda and deepen the progress already being recorded across the country,” emphasizing the party's confidence in the leadership.

The event was a high-profile gathering, attracting numerous state governors including Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), and Nasir Idris (Kebbi). Other key attendees included the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; members of the APC National Working Committee; House of Representatives member James Faleke; and other senior party stalwarts, reflecting the broad-based support for the decision.

Prior to this official announcement, considerable speculation had circulated that President Tinubu might opt to replace Shettima with a Christian from the North. This was largely driven by a desire to address public concerns regarding religious balance on the presidential ticket. Names frequently mentioned as potential replacements included former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, from the North-East, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, from the North-Central. However, the formal unveiling unequivocally cemented the Tinubu-Shettima ticket for the next election cycle.