Nigeria's APC Confirms Shettima as Tinubu's Running Mate for 2027 Election

Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially confirmed Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu's running mate for the 2027 general election, putting an end to months of political speculation. Reports had suggested that Shettima might be replaced on the ticket, with some quarters hinting at a possible Christian from the north as a replacement.

Despite internal pressures to consider a different running mate, President Tinubu reportedly remained firm in maintaining the Muslim-Muslim ticket, a combination that previously stirred significant controversy before the 2015 elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set July 11, 2026, as the deadline for political parties to submit their candidate lists.

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Today is a reflection of the wishes of over 12 million of our members of APC who overwhelmingly voted Mr. President as their candidate to flag off the party candidature in the 2027 presidential election.

At an event in Abuja, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda presented the completed INEC presidential nomination forms for Tinubu and Shettima. He emphasized that the selection reflects the will of over 12 million APC members who overwhelmingly voted for Mr. President during the primary elections. Yilwatda urged party members and supporters to campaign on the administration's successes, citing initiatives like student loans for 1.5 million beneficiaries and numerous road construction projects across the country. He expressed confidence that Nigerians would overwhelmingly vote for Tinubu in January 2027, based on the tangible impact of his policies.

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I appeal to the governors, I appeal to our supporters, that let’s 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.