Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed strong confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s political standing ahead of the 2027 general election, saying anyone seeking to challenge him would be embarking on a futile mission.
Shettima made the remarks on Friday at the 15th National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. He argued that winning elections in Nigeria requires far more than online popularity or emotional appeals.
According to the vice president, serious electoral contests are not decided on social media platforms such as X or through what he described as nostalgia-driven narratives and empty slogans.
Shettima said credible victories are built on solid political structures, broad-based coalitions and clear conviction, adding that these elements currently work in Tinubu’s favour.
He noted that the experience of the president, combined with lessons drawn from past elections, places the ruling party in a strong position ahead of 2027. In his view, the next election cycle represents a duty to consolidate gains rather than a political risk.
The comments were made in reference to the 2023 presidential election, where Tinubu, flying the APC flag, emerged victorious against notable contenders, including Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
Although the opposition candidates mounted energetic campaigns and secured significant support in different parts of the country, Tinubu prevailed through the APC’s nationwide structure, strategic alliances and coordinated mobilisation.
Shettima’s remarks reflect the ruling party’s growing confidence in Tinubu’s re-election prospects and signal an emphasis on unity, strategic planning and continuity as preparations for 2027 gather pace. The APC has since endorsed the president as its sole candidate for the next election.
