The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election will be decided after the party’s national convention, typically convened a year before the general polls.
Speaking on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme aired Friday, Basiru affirmed that President Tinubu has received broad-based support from key party stakeholders for a second term bid. However, he clarified that conversations regarding the vice-presidential slot are premature at this stage.
“As far as we are concerned, the national policy summit held at the Presidential Villa has endorsed Mr. President, based on his performance and the confidence of a wide range of party stakeholders,” Basiru stated.
He added, “The issue of a running mate is not currently on the table. No indication has been given that the President is reconsidering the position of the current Vice President.”
This clarification comes on the heels of controversy that erupted during a recent APC North-East stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe State. The session descended into disarray after Mustapha Salihu, the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), endorsed President Tinubu for re-election without reference to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The omission reportedly provoked protests led by Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, who insisted that Shettima’s name must be included in any formal endorsement of Tinubu.
