The All Progressives Congress (APC) has provided clarification on why Vice President Kashim Shettima was not included in the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027.
Mustapha Salihu, the National Vice Chairman (North East) of the APC, explained during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today on Monday that the omission was deliberate and strategic rather than a sign of any rift within the party leadership.
"It would have been inappropriate to endorse the Vice President along with the President because it would pre-assume that he is the running mate," Salihu stated, emphasizing that such a move would have prematurely confirmed Shettima as Tinubu's running mate for the 2027 election.
North-East APC Stakeholders' Meeting
The exclusion occurred during a North-East APC stakeholders meeting held in Gombe on Sunday, where regional party leaders formally endorsed President Tinubu for re-election but notably left out Vice President Shettima, who hails from Borno State in the same region.
This development has sparked speculation about Shettima's political future, particularly as the party begins early positioning for the 2027 general elections. Political analysts note that the omission comes at a time when various political alignments are beginning to take shape across the country.
The APC's explanation suggests that the party is keeping its options open regarding the vice-presidential slot for the 2027 elections, despite Shettima's current position as Vice President.
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