A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Director of Finance at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election as a major boost to the party’s fortunes in Northern Nigeria.
Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement he personally signed on Saturday, following the formal submission of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima’s nomination forms to the APC National Working Committee, NWC, in Abuja.
He said the decision had strengthened the confidence of party members and supporters across the North ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the choice of Shettima has dealt a blow to those who had hoped the President would drop the Vice President from the joint ticket.
“President Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima is the best development for the North and the APC. It has further united the region and strengthened the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said.
Kwankwaso commended Shettima for what he described as his commitment to promoting unity in the North and supporting the administration’s policies.
“We have seen how Vice President Kashim Shettima has worked tirelessly to promote unity in the North despite attempts by some individuals to create division. He has also represented President Tinubu creditably at various international engagements,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket would enjoy overwhelming support in the North, adding that the development would also improve the APC’s chances in governorship and other elective positions across the region.
“Retaining Shettima is a strategic decision that will further consolidate the APC’s support base in the North and enhance the party’s electoral prospects at all levels,” Kwankwaso added.
