2027: Tinubu's running mate to be decided after party convention', - APC National Secretary

Senator Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 general election will be determined after the party’s national convention, which traditionally takes place about a year before the polls.

Speaking on The Morning Brief programme on Channels Television on Friday, Basiru noted that while President Tinubu enjoys widespread endorsement from party stakeholders for a second term, no formal discussion has commenced regarding the choice of a running mate.

“As far as we are concerned, the national summit held at the Presidential Villa has endorsed Mr. President based on his track record, and a large spectrum of stakeholders in our party have also overwhelmingly given their support,” Basiru said.

He added, “The question of a running mate is not yet on the table, and nobody has said the President has taken any adverse position regarding the current Vice President.”

The clarification comes on the heels of a controversial endorsement meeting last Sunday involving APC North-East stakeholders in Gombe State. The meeting ended in disarray after the APC Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, endorsed President Tinubu’s re-election bid without mentioning Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The omission reportedly sparked protests led by Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who insisted that Shettima also from Borno must be recognized in any endorsement involving the presidency.

The incident has further fueled speculation over the internal dynamics of the ruling party ahead of 2027, with party leaders calling for unity and caution as preparations gradually take shape.