President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election has triggered fresh political debates across the country, with analysts, party supporters and voters offering different interpretations of the move.
The president and presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
While some describe the decision as a strategic calculation that could strengthen the APC’s chances of retaining power, others argue it reinforces concerns over the party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket and national inclusiveness.
Analysts and prospective voters shared contrasting views on the implications of the President’s decision.
Muslim-Muslim ticket still a winning formula for APC – Aminu Rabiu
A political analyst in Kano, Aminu Rabiu has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) believes its Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket remains a winning formula ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to him, the party retained Vice President Kashim Shettima because it expects the combination to once again deliver victory.
Aminu said President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Shettima signals unity, continuity and confidence within the ruling party.
“It means there is relative understanding, cohesion and unity within the ruling APC,” he said.
“It means that continuing with Kashim Shettima is more rewarding than dropping him. Dropping Shettima would have been politically catastrophic for the ruling APC.”
According to him, the decision shows that the party believes keeping the same ticket will improve its chances of retaining power in 2027.
“It signals continuity. It signals unity. Returning Kashim Shettima will be more rewarding and will not cost the party its bid to retain power in 2027,” he said.
Aminu argued that the APC’s decision was based on political calculations, insisting the same-faith ticket still has electoral value.
“The calculation of the Muslim-Muslim ticket is still relevant and will help them win again in 2027. It will still fetch them a large number of votes in both the North and the southern part 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.”l
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