The All Progressives Congress (APC) has retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election, ending months of speculation over a possible change to the party’s ticket.
The ruling party unveiled Shettima in Abuja on Friday during the submission of the completed nomination forms of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) for onward transmission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Representing the President at the event, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Ibrahim Masari, formally presented the joint nomination forms.
“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,” Masari said.
Speaking on behalf of APC governors, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, reaffirmed the governors’ support for Tinubu’s second-term bid.
“We are here to submit the INEC nomination forms of Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima,” Uzodimma said.
“We reaffirm our support for the President to win a second term in 2027. We are ready to face the campaigns and deliver the President and all APC candidates in the 2027 elections. APC has come to stay,” he added.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, expressed confidence in the party’s chances, saying the administration’s achievements and growing support base have positioned Tinubu for victory.
“Millions of Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones are waiting to vote for Mr President in 2027. Farmers, students and many other Nigerians are waiting with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs),” he said.
Yilwatda also claimed that the party already has more than 12 million members and urged party leaders to intensify efforts to publicise the administration’s achievements.
Friday’s announcement effectively ends speculation that Tinubu could replace Shettima with a northern Christian to address concerns over the Muslim-Muslim ticket that featured in the 2023 general election. Among those reportedly linked to the vice-presidential slot were former Speaker Yakubu Dogara and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
The event was attended by several governors and senior party leaders, including Babagana Zulum, Mai Mala Buni, Ahmadu Fintiri, Uba Sani, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Nasir Idris, Atiku Bagudu and James Faleke.
