Tinubu’s Running Mate in 2027 Remains Shettima Amid Speculation

Fresh political calculations ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election have thrown up intense speculation over the fate of Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate.

The political standing of the former Borno State governor has, in recent weeks, come under renewed scrutiny as conversations within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) suggest a possible shift in the party’s electoral strategy, thepapers.ng reports.

Speculation has been rife that Shettima could be replaced on the ticket as President Tinubu prepares for a re-election bid. The development has generated unease among political stakeholders in the North, particularly the North-East, which is Shettima’s political base and the zone that produced the Vice President.

However, despite the growing rumours, indications from within the party suggest that strategic considerations continue to favour Shettima’s retention. Party insiders note that recent political manoeuvres by former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have altered calculations within the APC.

Kwankwaso’s prospects of joining the ruling party are said to have been stalled by internal resistance and other political constraints, a situation that has reportedly strengthened Shettima’s position.

Although the 2027 presidential election is still about a year away, discussions around the vice-presidential slot have intensified, reflecting early jockeying among key political blocs within the ruling party.

Analysts warn that dropping Shettima for another northern candidate could weaken President Tinubu’s electoral prospects in critical core northern states, where zoning sensitivities and regional balance remain crucial factors.

Meanwhile, multiple sources within the Presidency have dismissed claims that Shettima is being considered for removal from the ticket.

According to the sources, the Vice President’s chances of remaining President Tinubu’s running mate are “very much intact,” despite rumours and internal tensions in some quarters of the party.

As political alignments continue to evolve, party leaders are expected to tread cautiously, balancing internal interests with the broader electoral realities ahead of 2027.