2027: Fear And Anxiety Grow Over Tinubu’s Running Mate Choice As Shettima Awaits Final Decision
2027: Fear And Anxiety Grow Over Tinubu’s Running Mate Choice As Shettima Awaits Final Decision
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepares for the 2027 presidential election after easily securing the APC ticket, attention is now shifting to one major question — will he retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate or pick someone else?
Unlike in 2022 when Tinubu battled strong contenders like former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and ex-Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi for the APC ticket, this time the president faced almost no opposition within the party.
Political observers say Shettima’s chances of remaining vice president are very high because of his loyalty to Tinubu and his calm handling of government affairs.
Many analysts believe Shettima has carefully avoided political conflicts and has earned the president’s trust by strongly defending and explaining the administration’s policies without controversy.
The issue of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, which caused serious debate during the 2023 election, also appears to have reduced. Supporters point to the role of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, a Christian and pastor, as proof that fears of Islamization have not materialized.
Sources within the APC also believe dropping Shettima now could create political tension in the North, where the vice president still commands strong influence and loyal supporters.
Observers have also noted the close working relationship between the wife of the president, Oluremi Tinubu, and the wife of the vice president, Hajia Nana Shettima, especially through the Renewed Hope Initiative programme for women and girls.
For now, many believe Tinubu may likely keep Shettima on the ticket despite quiet political moves behind the scenes.
But as always in Nigerian politics, anything can still happen.
