The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday formally presented President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as its presidential ticket for the 2027 general election, confirming that the President has retained his deputy as his running mate for another term in office.
The ruling party also expressed confidence that it would win the next presidential election, saying its growing membership, achievements of the Tinubu administration and strong party structure would secure victory at the polls.
The completed nomination forms of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima were presented to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at a ceremony held at the Ladi Kwali International Conference Centre of the Abuja Continental Hotel before being forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The submission marked another major step in the preparations for the 2027 general election, which will determine whether Tinubu secures a second four-year term in office.
The nomination documents were presented on behalf of the President by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari.
The event attracted top leaders of the ruling party, including members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), governors elected on the APC platform, members of the National Assembly, ministers, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and state party chairmen.
The presence of senior party officials and elected leaders was seen as a show of unity behind the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.
Speaking at the ceremony, APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, said the presentation of the nomination forms followed what he described as a transparent and credible primary process.
According to him, President Tinubu emerged as the party’s presidential candidate through a process that reflected the wishes of APC members.
Argungu praised the administration for what he called its positive achievements and urged members of the party to remain united as preparations for the election continue.
He said the APC must remain focused on its campaign while supporting the President’s efforts to implement policies aimed at improving the country.
The ceremony reached its peak when Masari formally handed over the completed nomination forms to the party’s national chairman in the presence of governors, lawmakers and ministers.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, reaffirmed the governors’ support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.
He said the governors were satisfied with the way the party conducted its primary election and pledged to work for the success of the APC in the 2027 polls.
“We are delighted that this event is coming after a well-organised and thoroughly supervised primary process,” Uzodimma said.
He added that the APC remained committed to internal democracy and inclusiveness, saying these qualities had strengthened the party over the years.
According to him, governors elected on the APC platform would mobilise support for the President across their respective states.
“We will continue to support him in the larger interest of Nigerians and to take the country to greater heights. Together, we are going to deliver victory for President Tinubu and ensure the party wins all elective positions, including the National and State Assemblies,” he said.
Receiving the nomination forms, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda said the Tinubu-Shettima ticket reflected the wishes of millions of party members across the country.
He said the APC currently has more than 12 million verified members and described the party as the strongest political organisation in Nigeria.
According to Yilwatda, the party’s support base has continued to grow because of the programmes introduced by the Tinubu administration.
He pointed to the student loan scheme as one of the government’s major achievements, saying more than 1.5 million students had already benefited from the programme.
The APC chairman also highlighted agricultural initiatives, road construction, infrastructure development and other government projects as evidence of the administration’s performance.
He urged party members to defend the government’s record by presenting facts to Nigerians rather than engaging in political arguments.
“While others are busy spreading propaganda, let us counter them with facts. Nigerians have seen governance that touches lives across the six geopolitical zones,” Yilwatda said.
He further stated that the APC has an advantage over other political parties because of its digital membership register, which he said has been verified nationwide.
“We already have about 12 million verified members. We are going round the country to mobilise support for the President. I am also confident that our governors will compete among themselves to deliver the highest number of votes,” he said.
Addressing Masari, who represented the President, Yilwatda expressed confidence that Tinubu would secure another term in office.
“Go and tell the leader of our party that our members and Nigerians will vote for him to continue the excellent work he is doing. As a party, we are proud to be presenting the best candidate. There is no shaking at all. Come 2027, our victory is assured,” he declared.
The confirmation of Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate puts an end to weeks of speculation over whether the President would retain the Vice President on the ticket.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu and Shettima have worked together on the implementation of the administration’s economic reforms, infrastructure projects and security policies.
The APC leadership believes continuity in the presidential ticket will strengthen the party’s campaign ahead of the election.
The formal submission of the nomination forms is one of the key stages in Nigeria’s electoral process. Political parties are required to submit the names of their candidates to INEC within the timetable issued by the electoral body before campaigns begin.
Although the official campaign period is still months away, political activities have intensified across the country as parties prepare for the 2027 general election.
The APC is expected to campaign on the record of the Tinubu administration, highlighting its economic reforms, student loan programme, infrastructure projects, agricultural interventions and efforts to improve national security.
Opposition parties, on the other hand, are expected to challenge the ruling party’s performance, focusing on issues such as the rising cost of living, inflation, unemployment and insecurity.
With the Tinubu-Shettima ticket now formally submitted to INEC, attention is expected to shift to nationwide campaigns as political parties begin the race for votes in what is expected to be another keenly contested presidential election.