Why Tinubu Picked Shettima As Running Mate — Presidency Reveals

According to Ireporter Online, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, made the disclosure in a statement titled “2027: Tinubu-Shettima and the Politics of Loyalty, Capacity, Continuity.”

Nkwocha explained that Tinubu’s decision to continue with Shettima was a clear indication of the strong working relationship between both leaders, while also putting to rest speculations surrounding the Vice President’s position ahead of the next election.

He stated that keeping Shettima on the ticket was not merely about filling a political position but about preserving a partnership that contributed to the All Progressives Congress’ victory in the 2023 election.

According to him, the decision has helped eliminate uncertainty within the ruling party and reinforced the administration’s commitment to continuity and stability.

Nkwocha described the Tinubu-Shettima partnership as a combination of loyalty, competence and experience, noting that the Vice President had remained committed to the administration’s policies and programmes.

He highlighted Shettima’s role in supporting government reforms, leading discussions through the National Economic Council, engaging state governors and promoting the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda without creating any conflict over leadership responsibilities.

The presidential aide further explained that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket was a carefully planned political arrangement adopted in 2022, designed to combine Tinubu’s political influence in the South with Shettima’s strong support base in the North, especially the North-East region.

He noted that despite controversies surrounding the same-faith ticket before the 2023 election, the APC maintained that the choice was based on competence, shared values and political strategy rather than religious considerations.

Nkwocha added that the outcome of the 2023 election proved the effectiveness of the political calculation behind the pairing.

He also praised Shettima’s contributions as Chairman of the National Economic Council, saying the Vice President had played a key role in addressing issues including economic stability, food security, infrastructure development, wage concerns and collaboration between federal and state governments.

The presidential aide argued that retaining Shettima gives Tinubu an experienced partner who already understands the administration’s vision and political structure, reducing the challenges that often come with introducing a new running mate during a re-election campaign.

He stated that the decision also sends a message that loyalty and commitment remain important values within the APC.

Nkwocha, however, acknowledged that the ruling party must still convince Nigerians through tangible achievements and effective governance ahead of the 2027 general election.

He noted that with the Tinubu-Shettima ticket now confirmed, attention would shift from speculation over the Vice President’s position to how the administration would transform its partnership into greater public support and electoral success.