Tinubu's 2027 Bid: President Files Re-Election Papers, Confirms Shettima as Running Mate

President Bola Tinubu has formally ended months of speculation by announcing his decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election. This move was officially solidified with the submission of President Tinubu's All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential nomination forms, which were handled by his Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari, at the Continental Hotel in Abuja.

Public policy analyst and development expert, Abba Kaka, explained that the President's decision was rooted in deep trust, confidence, and shrewd strategic political calculations. Speaking with ARISE NEWS, Kaka highlighted that Tinubu, an experienced politician, opted to maintain the existing ticket, demonstrating his belief in Shettima's capabilities and acknowledging the unchanging dynamics of Nigerian politics.

Kaka emphasized the strategic importance of Shettima, who hails from the Northeast—a region where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a key opposition figure, also has significant influence. Retaining Shettima is seen as a crucial step to balance the ticket and prevent losing the Northeast to political rivals. Kaka likened it to the adage, “If it’s not broken, why fix it?”

Furthermore, Kaka lauded Vice President Shettima's performance, describing him as a loyal, forthright, knowledgeable, and passionate leader. He noted that Shettima has diligently represented the President both domestically and internationally, effectively carrying out all assigned responsibilities. Shettima's extensive political background, including experience as a governor, senator, and successful banker, positions him as a strong grassroots politician and an invaluable asset to the presidential ticket.

Despite the strategic advantages, Kaka acknowledged significant grievances among people in the North, citing prevalent issues such as poverty, insecurity, neglect, and perceived governmental imbalance. He, however, reminded that Shettima played a critical role in securing a substantial portion of the northern vote (63-65%) for Tinubu in the 2023 elections. Kaka strongly advised the President to dedicate closer attention to northern sentiments and address these concerns ahead of the 2027 polls.

The submission of the nomination forms officially confirms President Tinubu's bid for a second term and signals the APC's unified decision to continue with the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, setting the stage for the forthcoming presidential election.