Tinubu Yet to Pick 2027 Running Mate — Presidency Says Shettima Still in the Picture
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will announce his running mate for the 2027 presidential election only after he is formally nominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s 2026 convention. This was confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in an exclusive interview with Daily Trust.
Onanuga described growing speculation over the exclusion of Vice President Kashim Shettima from recent endorsements as a “non-issue,” stating that it is premature to name a running mate before a candidate is officially selected—citing a similar approach by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“In our presidential system, the candidate is first nominated before choosing a running mate. There’s no need for panic or political mischief,” Onanuga said.
He dismissed claims that Tinubu’s record as Lagos State governor—where he changed deputies twice—indicates a likelihood of replacing Shettima. According to Onanuga, those changes were context-specific and not reflective of any pattern or current plan.
He also denied any rift between Tinubu and Shettima, describing their working relationship as “excellent.”
Concerns over the possible reintroduction of a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2027 were also brushed aside. Onanuga said such fears have largely been laid to rest, even though many speculated candidates for the vice presidency remain Muslims. He stressed that the matter is “no longer a concern.”
Onanuga further explained that early endorsements of Tinubu’s 2027 ambition were strategic—meant to counter early opposition criticism and demonstrate the APC’s preparedness. He noted that these endorsements show appreciation to party supporters and underscore the president’s political momentum.
The running mate controversy escalated after the recent APC North East stakeholders’ summit in Gombe, where a tense moment unfolded when the APC National Vice Chairman (North East), Salihu Mustapha, declined to jointly endorse Shettima alongside Tinubu. Mustapha cited procedural norms, explaining that a running mate should be chosen by the candidate, not imposed by party leadership.
While political analysts speculate that Tinubu might consider alternatives—such as a northern Christian, a deal with the NNPP, or candidates from the North West—Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum reaffirmed his support for Shettima and urged Tinubu to retain him, calling Shettima a dependable leader.
Mustapha also distanced himself from accusations that Governor Zulum made Shettima’s inclusion a condition for endorsement, dismissing the Gombe summit controversy as being inflamed by “political thuggery.”
In a related development, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), led by Professor Ishaq Akintola, warned against replacing Shettima without broad consultation, stressing the importance of unity and fairness in decision-making.
As the APC prepares for its crucial 2026 convention, Nigerians await President Tinubu’s formal nomination—and with it, the clarity on who will join him on the party’s 2027 ticket.
