President Bola Tinubu faced no challenge in securing the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the 2027 presidential election.
Unlike 2022, when he battled rivals including then Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former Rivers State governor Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi and others, this time his emergence was largely a formality.
Tinubu now holds firm control of the APC, making any challenge for the party’s ticket highly unlikely.
With the ticket secured, attention has shifted to his running mate. The key question is whether he will retain Vice President Kashim Shettima or choose a replacement.
When Tinubu selected Shettima in 2022, the decision drew criticism because both men are Muslims. Concerns centred on Nigeria’s religious balance and claims of a plan to Islamize the country.
As the 2027 election approaches, however, signs suggest Tinubu will again run with Shettima. Some political analysts describe the vice president as the most loyal deputy seen in nearly three decades of democratic rule in Nigeria.
According to them, Shettima has consistently explained and defended the administration’s policies without conflict or confrontation. They also say he has carefully understood his principal’s style and earned his trust.
Loyalty remains another major factor in his favour. In politics, even minor signs of disloyalty can create tension. Observers believe Shettima has avoided such mistakes and strengthened Tinubu’s confidence in him.
The controversy over a Muslim-Muslim ticket also appears to have weakened, particularly because First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu is a Christian and a pastor in the Redeemed Church. Her influence in government has further reduced claims of Islamization.
Political observers argue that dropping Shettima now could be risky. The vice president remains a major political figure in the North and commands strong support among his followers.
They also point to the cordial relationship between Mrs Tinubu and Hajia Nana Shettima. As founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the First Lady works closely with the vice president’s wife, who serves as the organisation’s national vice-chairman and often represents her at programmes nationwide.
For now, despite quiet political manoeuvring, Tinubu appears likely to keep Shettima. Still, politics can always produce surprises.
Vanguard.
