President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will select his running mate for the 2027 presidential election only after formally accepting the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination at the party’s 2026 convention. This was confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, in an exclusive interview with Daily Trust on Thursday.
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Onanuga dismissed growing controversy over the omission of Vice President Kashim Shettima from recent endorsements for Tinubu, calling the issue a “non-issue.” He explained that in a presidential system, the candidate is nominated first before choosing a running mate, citing President Buhari’s approach as precedent.
Responding to claims that Tinubu’s record as Lagos governor—where he changed deputies twice—signaled plans to drop Shettima, Onanuga said such speculation was unfounded and rooted in “political circumstances” rather than a pattern of discarding deputies. He also denied reports of a rift between Tinubu and Shettima, affirming their “excellent working relationship.”
Regarding fears of repeating the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2027, Onanuga said those concerns have been “dispelled,” noting that many names speculated for the vice presidency are Muslims, but the issue is “no longer a matter of worry.”
The adviser further explained the flurry of early endorsements for Tinubu as a strategic response to opposition attacks before the official campaign period begins. He said the APC needed to show readiness and gratitude for the confidence expressed by supporters.
The controversy over Shettima’s exclusion peaked after the APC North East stakeholders’ summit in Gombe, where party leaders eventually endorsed the Tinubu-Shettima ticket despite a tense session triggered by the refusal of APC National Vice Chairman (North East), Salihu Mustapha, to endorse Shettima alongside the president. Mustapha defended his decision, citing party procedures that do not mandate naming a running mate during candidate nomination and warned against forcing the issue prematurely.
Political observers have speculated that Tinubu might consider alternatives to Shettima, including a northern Christian running mate, a political deal with the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), or candidates from the North West. However, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum reaffirmed support for Shettima, highlighting his leadership and urging the president to retain him.
Mustapha described the Gombe summit turmoil as orchestrated by political thuggery and denied claims that Zulum made Shettima’s inclusion a condition for endorsement, emphasizing that the North East’s endorsement of Tinubu was unconditional.
Meanwhile, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), led by Professor Ishaq Akintola, warned against replacing Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections, urging wide consultation before any decision is made.
As the APC prepares for its 2026 convention, the nation awaits President Tinubu’s official nomination and subsequent selection of his running mate, with the administration maintaining that the vice presidency remains a matter for the candidate’s discretion after due party procedures.
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