Iyobosa Uwugiaren argues that President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate ahead of the 2027 general election reinforces an image he has carefully cultivated throughout his political career—that of a leader who rewards steadfastness rather than convenience and places enormous value on loyalty.
When President Bola Tinubu finally put months of speculation to rest by retaining Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, he did more than settle an internal party debate. He sent a powerful political message about loyalty, trust and the kind of leadership he intends to project as he seeks a second term.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) formally unveiled the Tinubu-Shettima ticket after weeks of intense lobbying, rumours of a possible replacement and fierce regional calculations. For political observers, the announcement was not merely an administrative requirement ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) nomination deadline. It represented one of the most consequential political decisions of Tinubu’s presidency, closing the chapter on months of uncertainty over the future of his deputy.
