Although the Presidency has maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 elections will only be revealed after the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention, emerging reports suggest that internal lobbying and political maneuvering over the position have already kicked off.
According to The PUNCH, the competition for the vice-presidential ticket is heating up behind the scenes, even though the official announcement is still pending. The brewing contest recently came to public attention after an APC North-East stakeholders’ meeting turned chaotic during a session meant to affirm Tinubu’s 2027 ambition.
The stakeholders’ gathering, which was meant to bolster Tinubu’s reelection support in the region, spiraled out of control. The disruption reportedly occurred when some party members, identified as supporters of Vice President Kashim Shettima, became enraged. The tension reportedly intensified when Mustapha Salihu, the APC National Vice Chairman for the North-East, failed to openly endorse Shettima as the preferred running mate.
Eyewitnesses at the meeting alleged that chairs were thrown during the confrontation, reflecting just how deeply divided some party members have become over who should run alongside Tinubu in the next election cycle.
The PUNCH also reported that a prominent minister from the North-East, currently serving in Tinubu’s cabinet, is being quietly considered by some power brokers within the APC. Although his identity was not disclosed, sources claim that certain influential figures in the party are pushing for him to be chosen as Tinubu’s 2027 running mate—with long-term plans for him to succeed Tinubu in 2031.
According to party insiders and political analysts familiar with developments within the APC, this behind-the-scenes lobbying stems from a belief among some factions that keeping Shettima as vice president could complicate their own 2031 presidential ambitions.
They argue that if Shettima is retained for a second term as running mate, it may strengthen his position within the party hierarchy and give him a head start in the 2031 presidential race. One concern voiced by these factions is that Shettima’s close family relationship with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, could further solidify his influence in the corridors of power.
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The relationship between the wives of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, according to some APC leaders, is viewed as a potential strategic alliance that could be leveraged by Shettima in future political contests. This possibility, some believe, could make it difficult for other northern contenders eyeing the presidency to gain a foothold.
Despite the APC convention being several months away, sources say that the political jostling has already begun. Key northern APC figures and Shettima’s supporters are said to be deep in consultation mode, speaking with governors and political godfathers in order to gain endorsement for their respective agendas.
There are reports that strategic meetings and high-level political bargains are ongoing, with both camps working hard to gain the upper hand before the convention. These deals reportedly involve promises of appointments, financial commitments, and political alliances designed to influence key decisions in the months leading up to the party’s ticket announcement.
Though the outcome of the convention remains uncertain, the internal divisions in the APC over the 2027 vice-presidential slot highlight the high stakes for 2031. For many party members, the choice of a running mate now could determine who eventually becomes Nigeria’s next president after Tinubu completes his second term—should he win re-election.
Source: Ebeyi’s writes
