President Bola Tinubu has retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, ending months of speculation over the vice president’s political future.
The confirmation came on Friday after the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, announced that the party had formally received the presidential nomination forms of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima ahead of the 2027 general election.
The development effectively puts to rest persistent reports that Tinubu was considering replacing Shettima with a northern Christian as his vice-presidential candidate.
Announcing the submission of the nomination forms in a post on X, Yilwatda described the exercise as a major milestone in the APC’s preparations for the next general election.
He wrote, “Today marked another significant milestone in the journey of our great party as I formally received the presidential nomination forms of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, ahead of the 2027 general election. It was a defining moment that reaffirmed our collective resolve to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda and deepen the progress already being recorded across the country.”
Yilwatda disclosed that the nomination forms were presented on behalf of the President by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Masari, during a ceremony held at the Continental Hotel in Abuja.
He said, “The nomination forms were presented on behalf of President Tinubu by his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Masari, during a well-attended ceremony at the Continental Hotel, Abuja. The presentation underscored the confidence of our party in the leadership of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima as they prepare to seek a renewed mandate from the Nigerian people.”
According to the APC chairman, the event was attended by several governors, senior party officials and other stakeholders from across the country.
He added, “The event brought together an impressive array of leaders of our great party, including the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, alongside Governors Mai Mala Buni, Nasir Idris, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Uba Sani, Babagana Umara Zulum, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, as well as other governors, party executives and critical stakeholders from across the federation.”
Describing the mood at the event, Yilwatda said the party remained united and focused on securing another electoral victory.
He stated, “The atmosphere was one of unity, confidence and shared purpose. As we move towards 2027, the All Progressives Congress remains focused on strengthening its grassroots support, consolidating the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda and working together to build a more prosperous, secure and inclusive Nigeria for all.”
The formal submission of the nomination forms marks the clearest indication yet that Tinubu and Shettima will again fly the APC’s presidential ticket in the 2027 election, bringing an end to months of speculation over the composition of the party’s ticket.