APC Unveils Shettima as Tinubu's Running Mate for 2027 Election
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria has officially unveiled Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu's running mate for the 2027 general election.
- This confirms the continuation of a Muslim-Muslim ticket, despite earlier speculations about a potential change.
- The party emphasized the overwhelming support from its 12 million members and highlighted the president's achievements in areas like student loans and infrastructure.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially confirmed Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu's running mate for the upcoming 2027 general election, solidifying a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
And we are proud that the members of the APC across the country, 12 million votes already in a kit for Mr. President, voted overwhelmingly for him. And Iโm sure with other members of the public who are sympathizers of APC, who are friends of APC, who are also beneficiaries of the programmes of Mr. President, I know they will also overwhelmingly vote Mr. President.
The decision comes despite some internal discussions and external speculation that Tinubu might consider a different running mate, possibly a Christian from the North. However, President Tinubu reportedly maintained his preference for Shettima, a choice that mirrors the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket that generated significant debate prior to the 2015 elections.
Speaking at the unveiling event in Abuja, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda highlighted the party's primary election activities and emphasized the strong backing for Tinubu. He stated that over 12 million APC members overwhelmingly voted for Mr. President as their candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
I canโt imagine the over 1.5 million students who are receiving student loans, but they have their family, they have their friends, and they are 1.5 million. They are part of a group that overwhelmingly want to vote Mr. President for supporting their education. We have road networks across the country that Mr. President has constructed, some of the longest in the history of Nigeria.
Yilwatda also pointed to the president's initiatives, such as supporting education through student loans for over 1.5 million students and constructing extensive road networks across the country. He urged party members and supporters to focus on these successes and mobilize voters, expressing confidence that Nigerians will overwhelmingly vote for Tinubu in January 2027.
I appeal to the governors, I appeal to our supporters, that letโs go back and broadcast this good news, on what Mr. President is doing across the country. What we need is focus on the success story of what Mr. President has done. We are out there with our facts. Letโs tell them our success stories.
Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.