Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, said President Bola Tinubu’s choice to keep Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate reflects confidence in his deputy.
He added that the move stops the opposition from exploiting any perceived rifts within the government.
Strategic Rationale Behind the Ticket
Nkwocha described the retention as more than just filling a ballot spot; it quelled internal party anxiety, ended speculation about Shettima’s place on the ticket, and renewed the partnership that secured the APC’s 2023 victory.
He characterised the decision as a blend of loyalty, capacity and capability, noting Shettima’s disciplined conduct, defence of reforms, leadership of the National Economic Council, and effective promotion of the Renewed Hope Agenda without muddying lines of authority.
Shettima has chaired vital economic talks, engaged governors, and carried the administration’s message across policy forums, public events and political arenas.
North‑South Alliance and Electoral Impact
The aide recalled that the Tinubu‑Shettima ticket, first formed in 2022, was a calculated strategy merging Tinubu’s southern political base with Shettima’s northern influence, especially in the North‑East.
Although the same‑faith ticket sparked debate before the 2023 polls, the APC insisted the pick was rooted in competence and shared values, not religion. The 2023 outcome proved the calculation had electoral weight.
Role in Economic Governance
As Chairman of the National Economic Council, Shettima has steered discussions on economic stabilisation, food security, wage pressures, nutrition, infrastructure and sub‑national cooperation.
Advantage of Continuity
Nkwocha argued that a president seeking re‑election benefits from a running mate who already knows the administration’s language, enjoys party trust and needs no time to carve out a role.
Loyalty and Party Unity
He said the decision also rewards loyalty within the APC, reinforcing that trust and predictability bind the party beyond manifestos.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Looking ahead to 2027, he expressed confidence in the APC but stressed the party must still demonstrate performance to win over Nigerians.
Finally, he noted that the debate has shifted from whether Shettima will stay on the ticket to how the Tinubu‑Shettima alliance will turn continuity into confidence, confidence into mobilisation, and mobilisation into a renewed mandate.
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