Tinubu's Decision to Keep Shettima as Running Mate in 2027 Will Strengthen APC's Northern Support Base, Says Party Chieftain.

A key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's choice to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, calling it a smart political move that will boost the party's fortunes in the North.

Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, who serves as Director of Finance at the Hadejia Jama'are River Basin Development Authority, released a statement on Saturday expressing his strong support for the decision. According to him, the Tinubu-Shettima ticket has already started paying dividends by rallying APC members and supporters across Northern Nigeria.

Kwankwaso, a prominent APC chieftain, believes the move has effectively shut down speculation that President Tinubu might drop his Vice President ahead of the next election cycle.

"President Tinubu's decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima is the best development for the North and the APC," Kwankwaso said in his personally signed statement. "It has further united the region and strengthened the party's chances ahead of the 2027 elections."

The party stalwart went on to commend Shettima for his efforts in fostering unity across the North, particularly at a time when some political actors have allegedly been attempting to sow division. He also highlighted the Vice President's role in representing Nigeria well on the international stage while supporting the administration's policy direction.

Kwankwaso expressed confidence that Northern voters will throw their weight behind the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027. He predicted that the decision wouldn't just help in the presidential race but would also give a boost to APC candidates vying for governorship positions, National Assembly seats, and other elective offices across the region.

"Retaining Shettima is a strategic decision that will further consolidate the APC's support base in the North and enhance the party's electoral prospects at all levels," he added.