ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has formally retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, ending weeks of speculation about a possible change as political parties race to meet the Independent National Electoral Commission deadline for candidate nominations.
The decision was confirmed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee on Saturday, following a meeting where party leaders unanimously endorsed the Tinubu-Shettima ticket for the upcoming election. The announcement comes as the ruling party works to consolidate its base and present a united front ahead of the 2027 polls.
President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are the current APC presidential ticket for the 2027 election. The decision was announced by the APC National Working Committee following a meeting of party leaders.
The APC formally retained the Tinubu-Shettima ticket for the 2027 presidential election, ending speculation about a possible change in the party’s running mate. The decision was endorsed by party leaders as part of efforts to present a united front ahead of the election.
The announcement was made on Saturday, July 11, 2026, as political parties across the country rush to meet the INEC deadline for candidate nominations.
The decision was made in Abuja, where the APC National Working Committee met to deliberate on the party’s 2027 election strategy and candidate selection.
The formal retention of Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate ends weeks of speculation about a possible change, which had generated significant debate within political circles. The move is seen as a strategic decision aimed at maintaining stability and cohesion within the APC as the 2027 election approaches.
The APC leadership cited Shettima’s loyalty, competence, and the need for continuity as key reasons for retaining the ticket. The decision also reflects a desire to avoid the distraction of internal disputes as the party prepares for the election.
The decision affects the APC’s political strategy for the 2027 election, as well as the broader political landscape. It signals to other parties and to voters that the APC is presenting a united front and is committed to its current leadership.
The APC National Working Committee held a meeting where leaders unanimously endorsed the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. The decision was subsequently communicated to the public through a party statement.
The formal retention of Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate comes as political parties across the country race to meet INEC’s deadline for candidate nominations. The commission has set a timeline for the submission of candidates, with parties expected to finalize their tickets in the coming weeks.
The APC’s decision is expected to influence the strategies of other political parties as they finalise their own tickets for the 2027 election. For now, the Tinubu-Shettima ticket remains the APC’s choice, and the party is moving forward with its campaign preparations.
