Tinubu’s Choice Of Shettima As Running Mate Explained By Presidency

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, has said President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election reflects the deep trust and confidence he has in his deputy.

According to IReporter Online, Nkwocha made the remarks in a statement released on Saturday titled “2027: Tinubu-Shettima and the Politics of Loyalty, Capacity, Continuity.” He argued that the President’s decision not only reaffirmed the partnership that secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) victory in the 2023 election but also ended months of speculation surrounding Shettima’s place on the party’s ticket.

Nkwocha stated that by retaining the Vice President, Tinubu had removed a major source of political uncertainty within the ruling party while denying the opposition any opportunity to exploit perceived divisions in the administration. He noted that the move demonstrated confidence in Shettima’s loyalty, competence and ability to support the government’s agenda.

He explained that Shettima has consistently shown discipline in office, defended the administration’s reform programmes and played a central role in driving national economic discussions through the National Economic Council (NEC). He also credited the Vice President with promoting the Renewed Hope Agenda across policy platforms and political engagements without creating ambiguity over the President’s authority.

The presidential aide further described the Tinubu-Shettima alliance as a carefully crafted political strategy that combined Tinubu’s influence in Southern Nigeria with Shettima’s political strength in the North, particularly the North-East. He acknowledged that the Muslim-Muslim ticket generated widespread debate before the 2023 election but maintained that the APC based its choice on competence, experience and shared political ideals rather than religious considerations.

Nkwocha added that the electoral outcome of the 2023 presidential poll validated the party’s calculation, insisting that the ticket carried significant political weight.

Highlighting Shettima’s contributions as Chairman of the National Economic Council, he said the Vice President had coordinated critical discussions on economic stability, food security, infrastructure development, wage-related challenges, nutrition and collaboration between the federal and state governments.

He argued that Shettima’s understanding of the administration’s policies and political structure makes him the most suitable running mate for a President seeking a second term, stressing that continuity eliminates the need for a new deputy to adjust to government operations or build fresh relationships within the party.

Nkwocha also said the President’s decision sends a strong message that loyalty, commitment and consistency are recognised and rewarded within the APC. According to him, political parties thrive not only on manifestoes but also on trust, stability and confidence that dedicated members will not be abandoned after electoral victories.

Expressing optimism about the APC’s prospects in the 2027 general election, Nkwocha noted that while the party remains confident, it must still earn the support of Nigerians by showcasing tangible achievements in governance. He added that Tinubu’s decision has effectively shifted political conversations from speculation over the vice-presidential ticket to discussions on strategy, continuity and the administration’s quest for a renewed mandate.