Tinubu Retains Shettima on APC 2027 Presidential Ticket

President Bola Tinubu has retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, putting to rest weeks of speculation over the composition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket.

The decision was confirmed on Friday when the President’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari, submitted the Tinubu-Shettima nomination forms to the leadership of the APC at the Continental Hotel in Abuja.

The move formally signals Tinubu’s decision to seek a second term with Shettima remaining his vice-presidential candidate.

The development ends widespread speculation that the President might replace Shettima in response to political calculations ahead of the 2027 general election.

In recent weeks, reports had suggested that some stakeholders within the ruling party, including figures from the North-East, withheld endorsement for the Vice President, fuelling claims that Tinubu could opt for a northern Christian as his running mate.

Friday’s submission of the nomination forms, however, effectively laid those speculations to rest.

Among those present at the event were Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano, Nasir Idris of Kebbi, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and Babagana Zulum of Borno.

Also in attendance were members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), the party’s caucus in the National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), and other party leaders and stakeholders.

The submission of the nomination forms marks the formal commencement of Tinubu’s re-election bid on the platform of the APC, with Shettima once again completing the party’s presidential ticket.

Confirming the development, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, disclosed in a post on his verified X account that the nomination process had been concluded.

“About now, at the Continental Hotel, Abuja, President Tinubu submits INEC nomination form to the APC NWC as Sole Presidential Candidate for the 2027 Elections,” Dare wrote.

He added: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has equally tapped Kashim Shettima, the current Vice President, Senator, as his running mate for vice president in the 2027 election.”

The announcement is expected to shape political calculations within and outside the APC as preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of the next general election.