Former Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Prof. Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali, has congratulated Vice-President Kashim Shettima following his re-nomination as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 general election, describing the decision as strategic and a reaffirmation of confidence in the vice president’s leadership.
In a Congratulatory message issued on Thursday, Alkali said President Tinubu’s decision to retain Shettima reflects his trust in a partnership that has steered the country since the administration assumed office in May 2023.
He said the renewed ticket demonstrates confidence in Shettima’s loyalty, competence, diligence and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that continuity in leadership would inspire confidence among party members, supporters and the electorate while ensuring the administration sustains its ongoing reforms.
“The President’s decision to retain Vice President Shettima as his running mate at this critical time is one of the most consequential and strategic decisions taken in preparations for the 2027 elections,” Alkali said.
He described the vice president as an experienced statesman, accomplished administrator and bridge-builder whose intellectual depth, calm disposition and consensus-building skills have continued to strengthen governance and stakeholder engagement across the country.
According to him, the renewed Tinubu-Shettima partnership would promote unity within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and enhance the party’s prospects as it seeks another mandate in the 2027 elections.
Alkali also offered prayers for the vice president, asking God to grant him good health, wisdom and strength as he continues to serve the country.
President Tinubu’s decision to retain Shettima comes against the backdrop of intense political debate over the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket that the APC adopted for the 2023 general election.
The choice of Shettima, a former governor of Borno State, as Tinubu’s running mate sparked widespread criticism from several Christian groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which argued that the ticket failed to reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity and could deepen feelings of exclusion among Christians.
Although the APC defended the decision as one based on competence and electoral considerations, the controversy remained one of the defining issues of the 2023 campaign.
Since assuming office, the administration has also faced sustained criticism over recurring attacks on predominantly Christian communities in parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in Plateau, Benue and Southern Kaduna.
The killings have fuelled renewed calls from some religious leaders, political groups and stakeholders for greater inclusion of Christians in the country’s highest political offices.
In recent months, speculation had intensified over whether President Tinubu would replace Shettima as his running mate ahead of the 2027 elections in response to mounting political pressure and demands from some quarters for a Christian vice-presidential candidate.
The rumours gathered momentum following internal political realignments within the APC and heightened debate over the party’s electoral strategy.
Tinubu’s decision to retain Shettima, however, appears to have put such speculation to rest, signalling the President’s determination to preserve the partnership that secured victory for the APC in the 2023 presidential election and has led the administration over the past three years.
