The contest for President Bola Tinubu’s vice presidential running mate in the 2027 election has intensified, reflecting a broader struggle over who will succeed him as president in 2031.
The APC North-East stakeholders meeting, aimed at endorsing Tinubu’s 2027 candidacy, ended abruptly when supporters of Vice President Kashim Shettima protested the lack of endorsement. APC Vice Chairman for the North-East, Mustapha Salihu, clarified that endorsing Shettima prematurely would imply that Tinubu had already chosen his running mate.
Political sources indicate ongoing negotiations that may see President Tinubu select a different running mate. Several northern governors and National Assembly leaders are reportedly interested in the position, and there is speculation about a Christian candidate from Bauchi State to achieve religious balance.
Party insiders caution that picking a Christian from the North Central zone could hurt APC’s electoral chances in the North West and North East.
The vice presidential slot is viewed as a stepping stone to the 2031 presidency. Northern APC heavyweights are positioning themselves, believing that serving as Tinubu’s running mate in 2027 would provide an advantage in the 2031 primaries.
A senior APC official explained that the competition to replace Shettima is essentially a contest among northern elites aiming to succeed Tinubu. A northern cabinet member favored by the President is also being promoted as a potential running mate, with concerns that Shettima’s continuation might weaken this candidate’s prospects.
The close relationship between First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and the Vice President’s wife is also considered influential.
Ahead of the APC convention, factions are actively lobbying for support among governors and party leaders.
Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s exclusion from the current administration is linked to his 2031 presidential ambitions. El-Rufai has accused the National Security Adviser of attempting to damage his reputation.
The Adamawa State APC chapter has emphasized that it cannot endorse Shettima as running mate, underscoring the President’s prerogative.
Political analysts view early jockeying for the running mate slot as typical political behavior.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has rejected calls for his inclusion as running mate, urging unity behind the President.
Meanwhile, the North-East APC Support Groups have endorsed former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara as a vice presidential candidate.
Other northern leaders, including Senator Aliyu Wamakko, have denied vice presidential ambitions despite rumors.
As the 2027 elections near, the vice presidential slot remains a critical focus of political maneuvering within the APC, linked to the party’s future leadership.