The presidency has addressed growing speculation surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s choice of running mate for the 2027 general election, affirming that no decision will be made until after the next convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a recent interview, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the clarification amid reports that Vice President Kashim Shettima might be dropped from the 2027 ticket.

The rumors gained traction after speakers at the recent APC stakeholders’ summit in Gombe endorsed President Tinubu for a second term.

However, the endorsement conspicuously failed to mention Shettima, sparking tension and disruption among delegates.

Onanuga dismissed the controversy as misplaced, asserting that under Nigeria’s presidential system, the selection of a running mate only follows the official nomination of a presidential candidate.

“That’s what happened under Buhari; he was nominated first and later picked his running mate. You don’t do both at once. Once INEC releases the timetable, the party convention will hold, and if the president is nominated again, he will choose his running mate,” he said.

He also rejected rumors of a rift between Tinubu and Shettima as unfounded, saying, “I’m not aware of any issues between the president and the vice president. From what I know, they have an excellent working relationship.”

Onanuga continued, “All the speculation is just beer parlour gossip. People even say ridiculous things like Seyi Tinubu is the vice president. Absolute nonsense.”

The presidency’s remarks come as the APC prepares for a potentially contentious build-up to 2027, with internal party dynamics and regional considerations likely to shape Tinubu’s eventual choice of running mate.

For Advert, Event Coverage/Press Conference Invite, Story/Article Publication & Other Media Services
Contact Us On WhatsApp
Send Email To: citizennewsng@gmail.com
Visit Citizen NewsNG To Read More Latest And Interesting News Across Nigeria And The World