Politics
2027 Presidency: Still a battle of running mates…
As the July 11 deadline for the submission of candidates' particulars to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) draws near, the fate of several presidential tickets hangs in the balance.
As the July 11 deadline for the submission of candidates' particulars to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) draws near, the fate of several presidential tickets hangs in the balance. Kashim Shettima, the incumbent Vice President, is widely expected to retain his position as running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, despite the All Progressives Congress (APC) yet to make an official announcement. This decision could significantly impact the fortunes of the APC, but its implications extend far beyond the party's electoral prospects.
According to the Guardian, only a handful of political parties have finalized their presidential tickets, with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) having formally unveiled their vice-presidential candidates. In contrast, the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and others continue to grapple with internal disputes, leadership tussles, and post-primary grievances, delaying the emergence of running mates. The choice of vice-presidential candidates has emerged as a crucial decision that can influence electoral outcomes, party unity, regional balance, and governance effectiveness.
The office of the Vice President remains one of the most consequential positions in Nigeria's constitutional democracy. As Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), the Vice President plays a critical role in advising the President on economic affairs and coordinating development policies across the federation. Under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Vice President assumes presidential powers whenever the President is temporarily unable to perform official duties and automatically succeeds the President in the event of death, resignation, impeachment, or permanent incapacity. The Vice President is also a statutory member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the National Security Council, and the National Council of State.
Historically, vice-presidential selections have played significant roles in shaping electoral outcomes and party dynamics. Political parties often use the vice-presidential slot to achieve regional balance, reward strategic allies, expand electoral reach, and reassure various demographic or religious constituencies. The APC's expected decision to retain Kashim Shettima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's running mate is evidence of this strategic approach. By doing so, the party seeks to maintain a balance of power between the north and south, while also rewarding a key ally who has been a loyal supporter of the President.
As the deadline for the submission of candidates' particulars draws near, the choice of running mates will continue to be a focal point of the 2027 presidential election. The APC's expected decision to retain Kashim Shettima is a calculated move that will have significant implications for the party's electoral prospects. However, the consequences of this decision extend far beyond the party's fortunes, influencing regional balance, party unity, and governance effectiveness. In the coming weeks, the choice of running mates will continue to be a contentious issue, with several parties still grappling with internal disputes and leadership tussles.
In the end, the selection of running mates will be a defining moment in the 2027 presidential election, with far-reaching consequences for the parties involved and the country as a whole. As the deadline for the submission of candidates' particulars approaches, one thing is clear: the choice of running mates will be a crucial factor in determining the electoral outcomes of the 2027 presidential election. Based on the current dynamics, I predict that the APC's decision to retain Kashim Shettima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's running mate will pay off, but only if the party can maintain a balance of power between the north and south, and effectively manage the expectations of various demographic and religious constituencies.
As the July 11 deadline draws near, the fate of several presidential tickets hangs in the balance, with the choice of running mates emerging as a strategic decision that can influence electoral outcomes, party unity, regional balance, and governance effectiveness.
