APC Insists Keeping Shettima as Running Mate is Crucial for 2027 Victory, Says Analyst
Kano‑based political analyst Aminu Rabiu stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) views its Muslim‑Muslim presidential ticket as a winning formula for the 2027 general election.
In an interview with Daily Post, Rabiu explained that President Bola Tinubu’s choice to keep Kashim Shettima signals unity, continuity and confidence within the ruling party.
He added that the party believes retaining the same ticket will improve its chances of staying in power, and that dropping Shettima would have been politically catastrophic for the APC.
Rabiu quoted, “It means there is relative understanding, cohesion and unity within the ruling APC. Continuing with Kashim Shettima is more rewarding than dropping him. Dropping Shettima would have been politically catastrophic for the ruling APC.”
He stressed that the decision shows continuity and unity, and that returning Shettima will be more rewarding without jeopardising the party’s bid to retain power in 2027.
The analyst noted that the calculation behind the Muslim‑Muslim ticket remains relevant and is expected to deliver substantial votes from both the North and the southern regions of Nigeria.
“Politics is calculation. If they knew it would not favour them, they would not do it. If the result would be catastrophic, they would have changed the calculation,” he said.
Regarding the speculation before the announcement, Rabiu said neither Tinubu, Shettima nor the APC had publicly discussed whether the vice president would be retained or replaced.
He observed that many Christian members of the APC had advocated for a Muslim‑Christian ticket in the interest of fairness and religious balance.
“There were many speculations because neither Tinubu, Shettima, nor the APC ever spoke directly about dropping or retaining Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 election. Christian members wanted the party to maintain balance, fairness, justice and unity by choosing a Christian running mate,” he added.
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