2027: Presidency reveals when Tinubu will choose running mate

DDM News

Abuja – The Nigerian presidency has officially responded to reports claiming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that these rumours have gained traction in recent weeks, with some political analysts speculating that Tinubu could opt for a new deputy to boost his re-election prospects.

However, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, has debunked the claims.

Speaking during an interview, Onanuga stated that any decision regarding President Tinubu’s running mate will be made after the All Progressives Congress (APC) convention in 2026.

He emphasized that such decisions follow a political process, beginning with the party’s nomination before considerations are made for a vice-presidential candidate.

“The president will not announce a running mate now,” Onanuga said.

He noted that the selection of a running mate typically follows the emergence of the presidential candidate during the party convention.

Citing historical precedent, Onanuga explained that in 2015, former President Muhammadu Buhari was nominated first before selecting Professor Yemi Osinbajo as his running mate.

“You don’t do both at once,” he stressed.

He added that once the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) releases the 2026 general election timetable, the APC will proceed with its convention.

According to Onanuga, if Tinubu is nominated again by the party, only then will the question of a running mate arise.

He dismissed rumours of any internal discord between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.

“There is no rift,” Onanuga asserted.

He described the reports suggesting a falling-out as “a non-issue.”

When asked if Tinubu’s record in Lagos, where he changed deputy governors more than once, suggests a trend, Onanuga disagreed.

He insisted that the Lagos experience cannot be used as a template for the presidency.

“So, it’s wrong to say he has a pattern of discarding deputies,” he said.

Onanuga noted that each instance in Lagos had “specific political circumstances.”

He advised the public to disregard speculative media reports aimed at sowing discord within the APC.

While speculations continue to swirl, Tinubu himself has not publicly commented on the matter.

Political observers believe that 2026 will be pivotal for the ruling APC as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The APC’s internal cohesion and candidate selection process are expected to determine its chances of retaining power.

Meanwhile, some factions within the party are reportedly pushing for broader consultations before confirming Tinubu as the party’s flagbearer.

Other voices within the APC argue that the focus should remain on governance rather than premature election speculation.

Critics, however, view the debate as a reflection of unease in the party’s top hierarchy.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has also not made any public statement concerning the reports.

Observers note that Shettima has remained loyal and visible in his vice-presidential role since their inauguration in 2023.

Analysts say replacing a vice president mid-term or before a re-election campaign could signal instability or internal dissatisfaction.

However, political history in Nigeria shows that vice presidents have often had uncertain tenures depending on political exigencies.

The 2027 general elections are still over two years away, yet political realignments are already underway in several parties.

The PDP and Labour Party are also reportedly strategizing on potential presidential and vice-presidential pairings.

In 2023, Tinubu and Shettima won the election on a Muslim-Muslim ticket, which sparked considerable debate across the country.

Some insiders claim that demographic and regional calculations may again play a major role in the choice of running mates.

Regardless, the presidency’s clarification aims to put an end to speculations, at least until the APC holds its 2026 convention.

For now, all eyes remain on the party’s internal processes and how they will shape the electoral roadmap for 2027.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook