2027 election: Tinubu’s retention of Shettima strengthens APC in the North – Kwankwaso

2027 election: Tinubu’s retention of Shettima strengthens APC in the North – Kwankwaso

A Kano-based chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for retaining Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, describing the decision as a strategic move that has further strengthened the ruling party’s influence across Northern Nigeria.

Kwankwaso, who serves as the Executive Director of Finance at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), made the remarks in a statement personally signed and issued to journalists in Kano. He said the President’s decision has boosted the confidence of party supporters and positioned the APC strongly ahead of the next general election.

According to the APC stalwart, the continuation of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket has effectively consolidated the party’s political structure in the North and significantly improved its chances of securing another electoral victory in 2027.

He argued that Vice President Shettima has remained a dependable ally of President Tinubu since the administration assumed office in May 2023, adding that his political experience, leadership qualities and engagement with stakeholders have contributed to strengthening the administration’s relationship with Northern communities.

Kwankwaso described the President’s decision as one of the most significant political developments ahead of the 2027 elections, saying it demonstrates confidence in Shettima’s performance and his contributions to the administration.

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“Every person in Northern Nigeria is ready to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in 2027,” Kwankwaso stated.

He also maintained that the Vice President has played an important role in promoting unity across Northern Nigeria despite what he described as attempts by some individuals to create divisions within the region.

According to him, Shettima has continued to support government efforts aimed at fostering national cohesion while representing President Tinubu at major international engagements and diplomatic meetings.

“We have seen how Kashim Shettima has remained committed to helping the government maintain unity in Northern Nigeria and across the country. We have also seen him competently represent President Tinubu at global events and international forums,” he said.

Kwankwaso further claimed that President Tinubu’s decision had dealt a political setback to opposition parties and critics who had speculated about possible changes to the APC presidential ticket ahead of the next election.

His comments came shortly after President Tinubu formally submitted his presidential nomination documents to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and confirmed Vice President Shettima as his running mate for the party’s 2027 presidential campaign. The nomination documents were submitted through the President’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari, during a brief ceremony attended by senior APC leaders in Abuja.

The confirmation effectively puts an end to months of speculation over the vice-presidential slot and signals the ruling party’s intention to maintain the same presidential ticket that won the 2023 election.

Political analysts say the early confirmation of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket gives the APC ample time to consolidate its campaign structure, strengthen party unity and intensify consultations across the country before the commencement of official campaigns.

However, opposition parties have continued consultations and coalition talks ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that the race remains open and will ultimately be decided by Nigerian voters.

With political activities already gathering momentum, the months ahead are expected to witness increased campaigns, strategic alliances and policy debates as parties position themselves for what is anticipated to be another fiercely contested presidential election.

2027 election: Tinubu’s retention of Shettima strengthens APC in the North – Kwankwaso