President Bola Tinubu has finally addressed growing speculation about the political future of Vice President Kashim Shettima as the 2027 presidential election approaches.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president stated he would select his running mate only after officially accepting the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination at the party’s national convention.

“In a presidential system, the candidate emerges first and then selects a running mate. That’s what happened under Buhari—he was nominated first and later picked his running mate. You don’t do both at once,” Mr Onanuga explained.

No Rift Between Tinubu and Shettima

Mr Onanuga dismissed claims that the presidency’s silence on recent endorsements for President Tinubu’s re-election signaled plans to drop Vice President Shettima. He also rejected suggestions that Mr Tinubu’s history of changing deputies during his tenure as Lagos governor indicates a likelihood of replacing Mr Shettima.

According to him, the president and vice president maintain an excellent working relationship, and rumours of friction are “beer parlour gossip.”

“People even say ridiculous things like Seyi Tinubu is the vice president—absolute nonsense,” he added.

Addressing Religious Balance Concerns

Onanuga also brushed aside worries about the Muslim-Muslim ticket, stressing that there is no religious bias in the administration’s considerations.

“Christians are living their lives. The president even attended the Pope’s inauguration in Rome. There’s nothing to worry about,” he said.

Why the Endorsements Came Early

Responding to the wave of early endorsements for President Tinubu, Mr Onanuga said it was a strategic response to opposition activities:

“The endorsements are a reaction to something… If those in the so-called coalition had not started throwing missiles at the Tinubu administration and the APC, the APC would have waited until early next year to respond. But we had to show that we’re ready to square up.”

He concluded by welcoming the endorsements despite the official campaign period not yet beginning.

Background: Tinubu’s Deputy History