By John Umeh
As the political drumbeats of 2027 gradually echo across Nigeria’s landscape, a key statement from within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has set the tone for internal dynamics regarding the party’s presidential ticket. An APC top official has clarified that the choice of a running mate for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should he decide to seek re-election, will rest solely with him. This assertion has sparked renewed conversations about party unity, presidential authority, and strategic calculations ahead of the next general elections.
Tinubu’s Exclusive Right as Presidential Candidate
According to the APC chieftain, who spoke during a press briefing in Abuja, it is both constitutionally and politically appropriate that the sitting president—and presumed flagbearer—be given the latitude to select his running mate without undue interference. “President Tinubu remains the symbol of the APC ticket. He has the political judgment, electoral experience, and constitutional authority to choose who complements him best on the ballot in 2027,” the official stated.
This position reinforces a tradition within Nigerian politics where presidential candidates wield considerable influence in choosing their vice-presidential partners. It is also seen as a strategic privilege intended to ensure synergy, loyalty, and electoral balance. While parties may recommend options or negotiate behind the scenes, the final decision often lies with the candidate—a fact the APC appears poised to uphold.
Balancing Zoning, Loyalty, and Political Equity
However, the matter is not merely procedural; it is also deeply political. With ongoing discussions about zoning and regional representation, President Tinubu’s eventual choice could have far-reaching implications. The APC leadership has been under pressure to ensure ethnic, religious, and regional inclusion as a way to maintain national cohesion and voter support across key blocs.
Observers believe that the issue of zoning and North-South power rotation may feature prominently in the decision-making process, especially if there are internal agitations from influential figures in the North who expect to retain or regain power in the near future. But the APC official downplayed such speculation, insisting that trust must be placed in Tinubu’s leadership to make a choice that aligns with both party interests and national unity.
“We believe President Tinubu understands the mood of the nation and the dynamics within the APC. He alone can assess the loyalty, competence, and electoral value of any prospective running mate,” the party official added.
Party Loyalty and Internal Power Struggles
The affirmation of Tinubu’s right to select his vice-presidential partner comes amid subtle rumblings within the APC. Some factions reportedly believe that the running mate position should serve as compensation for certain regions or leaders who helped secure victory in the last election. Others within the party’s progressive wing argue for a generational shift, calling on Tinubu to consider a younger, more dynamic candidate in a bid to attract the youth vote.
Despite these undercurrents, the party leadership insists that the president’s wisdom and political capital are sufficient to handle such pressures. Political analysts argue that this move to publicly affirm Tinubu’s exclusive authority could be a preemptive effort to quell dissent before it festers into larger factional conflicts.
“The APC has always thrived on strong leadership. This is not the time to entertain division or uncertainty,” the official reiterated. “We must let the president lead.”
Implications for 2027 and Beyond
With the 2027 elections still over two years away, the early spotlight on the running mate question indicates just how politically charged the road ahead will be. Tinubu’s decision, whenever it is made, will serve not just as a campaign strategy but as a signal of the direction in which he intends to steer both the APC and the Nigerian nation in a second term.
Will he stick with Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose Northern roots and technocratic background helped deliver a balanced 2023 ticket? Or will new considerations—such as youth representation, gender inclusion, or emerging regional alliances—prompt a shift?
For now, all eyes remain on President Tinubu, who holds the cards not only as the APC leader but as a seasoned political strategist who has long shaped Nigeria’s political evolution. What is clear is that the ruling party is aligning itself behind him, granting him full discretion to make a choice that could define the next chapter in the country’s democratic journey.
As Nigerians await official declarations and party primaries, this pronouncement affirms that the APC’s internal machinery is already in motion, preparing for a high-stakes contest that will test both loyalty and leadership on a national scale.
