2027: Tinubu’s Retention of Shettima Ignites Fresh Debate Over APC’s Electoral Strategy
President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election has sparked fresh debate among political analysts, party supporters and voters, with differing opinions emerging over its implications for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
While some observers believe the decision reflects a calculated political strategy aimed at consolidating the APC’s electoral strength, others argue it revives concerns over the party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket and the issue of national inclusiveness.
Political analyst Aminu Rabiu said the APC’s decision signals confidence in a formula that delivered victory in the 2023 election. According to him, dropping Shettima would have been politically costly and could have weakened the party’s support base, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
“It signals continuity, unity and confidence within the ruling party. The APC believes retaining the Tinubu-Shettima ticket offers a better chance of winning than changing its vice-presidential candidate,” he said.
Rabiu maintained that the Muslim-Muslim ticket remains a key electoral calculation for the APC, arguing that it continues to enjoy significant appeal among northern voters. He added that speculation over Shettima’s fate persisted because neither the President nor the party had publicly clarified whether the vice president would be retained.
He also noted that some Christian members of the APC had advocated a return to a Muslim-Christian ticket, while international concerns over allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria had further fuelled public debate. Nevertheless, he said the APC ultimately chose political continuity over making changes to its ticket.
Another political analyst, Kabiru Ojo, described Tinubu’s decision as a strategic move that prevented the APC from losing support across the North. According to him, replacing Shettima could have been interpreted as abandoning a loyal political ally, a development he said might have alienated northern political leaders and strengthened the opposition.
“Retaining Shettima preserves the confidence of many northern stakeholders and APC governors. Removing him could have united northern politicians against the President and weakened the party’s chances in 2027,” Ojo said.
He added that Shettima’s political influence in the North-East and his relationship with APC governors in the region remain valuable assets for the ruling party. Ojo also acknowledged that pressure from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and debates surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket contributed to the speculation before Tinubu announced his decision.
However, not all reactions were favourable.
A Jigawa-based voter, Rabiu Muhammad, criticised the APC’s decision, arguing that retaining the same-faith ticket sends the wrong message about national unity and inclusiveness.
“Many Nigerians still have concerns about the Muslim-Muslim ticket. For me, continuing with the same-faith ticket is a mistake because it does not adequately reflect the country’s religious and regional diversity,” he said.
Muhammad added that the decision had influenced his voting preference ahead of the 2027 election, saying he would support a different presidential candidate.
The debate over Tinubu’s choice underscores the political significance of the vice-presidential slot as parties continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election, with analysts divided over whether continuity or broader inclusiveness will ultimately prove more beneficial at the polls.