The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside senior party leaders, convened at the Continental Hotel in Abuja on Thursday to officially present Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election. The meeting, which began in the afternoon, marks the end of months of speculation that Tinubu might replace Shettima with a northern Christian candidate to balance the ticket.
Party Leaders Confirm Re-nomination
Senior APC leaders at the venue confirmed to our correspondent that President Tinubu has re-nominated Shettima, and the party is set to make a formal announcement later today. The decision reaffirms the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, which won the 2023 election, as the APC prepares for the 2027 race. Sources within the party indicated that the NWC is expected to issue a communiqué after the meeting.
Ending Speculation on Running Mate
For months, political analysts and opposition figures had speculated that Tinubu might drop Shettima in favor of a Christian from the North to broaden religious appeal. However, the APC leadership has consistently dismissed such rumors. The confirmation of Shettima, a Muslim from Borno State, maintains the Muslim-Muslim ticket that drew criticism in 2023 but also secured victory for the party.
The meeting at Continental Hotel is attended by NWC members, governors, and other top party stakeholders. Details of the announcement are expected to be released shortly, with the party urging members to rally behind the ticket.
