The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, along with senior party leaders, gathered in Abuja on Friday to formally present Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
The meeting, taking place at the Continental Hotel in the Federal Capital Territory, comes after months of speculation that President Tinubu might replace Shettima with a northern Christian as his vice-presidential candidate ahead of the next general election.
According to party leaders present at the meeting, Tinubu has decided to retain Shettima on the joint presidential ticket for the 2027 race. The leaders disclosed that the event was organised to officially announce the President’s decision to members of the party and the public.
The expected announcement is seen as a move to end widespread rumours about possible changes to the APC presidential ticket. Since the speculation began, political observers and party members had debated whether the President would maintain the same ticket that secured victory in the 2023 election.
The decision to retain Shettima signals that the APC leadership is choosing continuity as preparations for the 2027 presidential election gather pace.
As of the time the meeting commenced, senior APC officials confirmed that the party was ready to make the decision public, with Shettima expected to remain President Tinubu’s running mate in the next election.
Further details from the meeting are expected after the official announcement.