President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election has been presented as a strategic move aimed at reinforcing stability, continuity, and confidence within the All Progressives Congress (APC). The decision has effectively ended months of speculation over the Vice President’s place on the ticket while reaffirming the political partnership that secured the party’s victory in the 2023 general election.
Writing from Abuja, Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), argued that the President’s decision goes beyond political symbolism. According to him, it reflects confidence in Shettima’s loyalty, leadership capacity, and proven performance in office, while also denying the opposition the opportunity to exploit perceived divisions within the administration.
Nkwocha maintained that by retaining Shettima, President Tinubu has demonstrated his willingness to stand by a trusted partner despite months of political speculation surrounding the APC ticket. He noted that the President has once again shown that he prioritises competence, tested relationships, and effective governance over political pressure or public conjecture.
The article recalled that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2023 was a carefully calculated political alliance that combined Tinubu’s influence in the South with Shettima’s political strength across the North, particularly the North-East. Although the same-faith ticket generated controversy at the time, Nkwocha argued that the election outcome ultimately validated the party’s confidence in the combination.
Drawing comparisons with the 1993 MKO Abiola-Babagana Kingibe ticket, the author cautioned against making simplistic historical parallels. Instead, he contended that Nigerian voters have repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to support candidates based on competence, political organisation, and national appeal rather than solely on religious considerations.
Nkwocha further highlighted Vice President Shettima’s role as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), where he has coordinated discussions on economic reforms, food security, infrastructure, wage concerns, digital enterprise, nutrition, and state-federal collaboration. He argued that Shettima’s familiarity with the administration’s policies and challenges makes continuity a strategic advantage ahead of the 2027 elections.
The article also pointed to Shettima’s experience as a two-term governor of Borno State and former senator, noting that his leadership during the height of the insurgency enhanced his reputation for resilience, crisis management, and governance under difficult circumstances.
According to the author, retaining the Vice President also sends a reassuring message to APC members that loyalty, consistency, and dedication are recognised within the party. However, he acknowledged that continuity alone would not guarantee victory, stressing that electoral success would ultimately depend on the administration’s ability to translate its policies into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
Nkwocha concluded that President Tinubu’s decision has shifted public discourse from speculation to strategy, positioning the Tinubu-Shettima ticket as a symbol of continuity, experience, and stable leadership. He asserted that the partnership offers the APC a tested platform as preparations for the 2027 presidential election gather momentum.