2027: Shettima Says Tinubu Will Decide on Running Mate Selection

President Bola Tinubu has clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket for the 2027 election, paving the way for new speculation on who his running mate would be.

Unlike the 2022 APC presidential primary where Tinubu faced strong internal opposition from then Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi and others, the latest process has been described by observers as a smooth path for the President.

Now that he has the APC ticket, the focus is on whether Tinubu will keep Vice-President Kashim Shettima or pick a different running mate.

Tinubu’s selection of Shettima in 2022 proved controversial because both men are Muslim.

At the time, critics argued that the Muslim-Muslim ticket was not a reflection of Nigeria’s religious diversity, especially with claims of an alleged Islamisation agenda, Vanguard reported.

But with the 2027 election drawing near, the debate over same-faith tickets seems to have subsided.

There are those who say that the influence of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, a Christian and pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has diminished such arguments.

Shettima’s Loyalty Mentioned
Political analysts say Shettima’s loyalty may be a strong point in his favour, Vanguard observed.

They said he is one of the most loyal deputies in Nigeria’s democratic history, adding that he has always defended and interpreted the policies of the Tinubu administration without open confrontation or friction.

Observers say the Vice-President seems to have studied Tinubu’s political style, and has stayed clear of steps that could be seen as disloyal.

Loyalty is seen as key in politics, and it is believed that Shettima has earned the President’s confidence.

Another factor that is thought to be in favour of Shettima is his political weight in the North.

Analysts say that to drop him at this stage could be politically risky for Tinubu, given Shettima’s clout and base of support.

To many, Tinubu is a master political strategist who may find it unwise to replace a loyal and followership-in-a-key-electoral-zone running mate.

First Lady, Nana Shettima Bond.
Observers also point to the cordial relationship between the First lady Oluremi Tinubu and the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima.

Mrs Tinubu launched the Renewed Hope Initiative, which focuses on women and girls.

Nana Shettima is the national vice-chairman of the initiative and usually represents the First Lady in outreach programmes and events nationwide.

Even with political intrigues and quiet manoeuvring, observers say it would be surprising if Tinubu drops Shettima ahead of the 2027 election.

But they also note that in politics nothing is impossible.