Tinubu retains Shettima as running mate for 2027 presidential election

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu's running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

The development was announced on Friday by APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, who disclosed that the party had formally received the presidential nomination forms of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima ahead of the 2027 general election.

The announcement puts to rest months of speculation that President Tinubu could replace Shettima with a northern Christian as his vice-presidential candidate for the next presidential election.

In a post on his verified X account, Yilwatda described the presentation of the nomination forms as a significant milestone for the ruling party.

"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," he wrote.

According to the APC chairman, the nomination forms were presented on behalf of President Tinubu by his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari, during a ceremony held at the Continental Hotel in Abuja.

He said the event reflected the party's confidence in the Tinubu-Shettima ticket as it prepares to seek another mandate from Nigerians in 2027.

Yilwatda added that the ceremony was attended by several APC governors, members of the National Working Committee and other party stakeholders, including Chairman of the Progressive Governors' Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, Governors Mai Mala Buni, Nasir Idris, Uba Sani and Babagana Umara Zulum, among others.

He said the APC remains committed to strengthening its grassroots support, consolidating the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda and working towards a more prosperous, secure and inclusive Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.