By Peter Omopo
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s North-East have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for retaining Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group described the President’s decision as a demonstration of loyalty, competence, fairness, and inclusiveness, saying it has further strengthened confidence in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Coordinating Chairman of the North-East APC Youth Critical Stakeholders Forum, Haruna Sardauna.
According to the forum, Shettima’s re-nomination reflects the strategic importance of the North-East in Nigeria’s political landscape and underscores the administration’s commitment to continuity and stability.
The group described the Vice President as a loyal and dependable public servant whose performance in office has justified the confidence placed in him by President Tinubu and the ruling party.
It noted that Shettima’s retention represents not only a personal achievement but also recognition of the North-East’s contribution to national politics.
The forum also recalled that it had advocated for the vice-presidential ticket to remain in the North-East ahead of the 2023 elections and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for maintaining the arrangement.
Sardauna said the decision reflects political fairness and equity while reinforcing the region’s sense of belonging within the current administration.
The APC leaders pledged to mobilise support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in the 2027 elections, claiming that young people account for more than 70 per cent of registered voters in the North-East.
According to the group, the region’s youth population is prepared to rally behind the ruling party in appreciation of what it described as the administration’s commitment to inclusion and development.
The forum further argued that retaining the vice-presidential position in the North-East acknowledges the resilience of communities affected by insurgency and recognises ongoing Federal Government interventions aimed at reconstruction, security, and economic recovery in the region.
It also credited the Tinubu administration with expanding infrastructure development, humanitarian support, and inclusive governance across the North-East, expressing confidence that Shettima’s continued role as Vice President would help consolidate those achievements.
The group concluded by calling on APC members, traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society organisations across the region to unite in support of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
