President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put an end to months of political speculation by retaining Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, reaffirming the ruling All Progressives Congress’ (APC) decision to maintain the Muslim-Muslim ticket that secured victory in the 2023 polls.
The development was confirmed on Friday after President Tinubu submitted his completed nomination forms to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja as the party’s sole presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election. The submission effectively settles widespread rumours that the President was considering replacing Shettima in response to political pressure from sections of the party and concerns over the religious composition of the ticket.
For months, intense political manoeuvring had fuelled reports that influential stakeholders within the APC, particularly from the North-East, were pushing for a change in the vice-presidential slot. The speculation was further heightened by suggestions that Tinubu could opt for a northern Christian as his running mate in a bid to broaden the party’s electoral appeal.
Those speculations, however, have now been laid to rest with the formal presentation of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, announced the decision in a post on X, disclosing that President Tinubu had officially submitted his nomination forms alongside the name of Vice President Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
The move is widely seen as a strong vote of confidence in Shettima, whose political future had come under intense scrutiny amid persistent rumours of an impending replacement. By retaining his deputy, Tinubu has signalled continuity within his administration while consolidating the APC’s preparations for what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 presidential race.
Political observers say the announcement is likely to reshape the political landscape, ending one of the most contentious debates within the ruling party and allowing the APC to shift its focus toward its re-election campaign.