Tinubu Retains Shettima as Running Mate as APC Submits 2027 Presidential Nomination Forms
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, putting an end to months of speculation over the composition of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket.
The development was confirmed following the submission of the joint nomination and expression of interest forms of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima to the national leadership of the APC. The move formally signals the party’s intention to present the pair for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 general election.
The decision comes after weeks of intense political discussions and media reports suggesting that the President could replace Shettima with another running mate before the election. However, the submission of the completed nomination forms has effectively settled the matter, confirming that Tinubu will once again contest alongside the former Borno State governor.
The nomination forms were presented to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) during a ceremony attended by senior party officials, governors elected on the APC platform, members of the National Assembly, ministers and other key stakeholders. The event marked another significant milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during the submission process, party leaders expressed confidence that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket would provide continuity for the administration’s policies and programmes. They urged members of the APC across the country to unite behind the President’s re-election bid and mobilise support ahead of the campaign season.
Vice President Shettima, who has remained one of President Tinubu’s closest political allies since the administration took office, has consistently defended the government’s economic reforms and policy direction. During the submission of the forms, he reportedly appealed to party members and Nigerians to continue supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, arguing that the government requires another term to consolidate ongoing reforms.
The confirmation of Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate is expected to calm internal party debates that had intensified in recent months. Political observers had speculated that the APC leadership might alter its presidential ticket in response to political calculations ahead of the election, but the latest development indicates that the party has chosen continuity instead.
Analysts believe the decision reflects the APC’s desire to project stability and avoid internal divisions as preparations for the election gather momentum. Retaining the same presidential ticket also allows the party to campaign on the record of the current administration rather than introducing a new vice-presidential candidate.
Meanwhile, opposition parties are also stepping up preparations for the 2027 elections, with several political alliances and aspirants expected to challenge the ruling party. The coming months are likely to witness increased political activities, consultations and campaign strategies as parties position themselves for the nationwide polls.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to continue implementing the electoral timetable while political parties complete the nomination process for their candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and relevant guidelines.
For APC supporters, the submission of the nomination forms marks the official beginning of President Tinubu’s quest for a second term. Party leaders have expressed optimism that the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, economic reforms, security and governance will form the foundation of its campaign message.
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general election, political attention will increasingly shift to party campaigns, policy debates and electoral preparations. With the Tinubu-Shettima ticket now officially confirmed by the APC, the stage is gradually being set for what is expected to be another highly competitive presidential contest.
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