2027: Only Tinubu Will Decide His Running Mate — Minister Dismisses Alleged Feud With Shettima

Information Minister Mohammed Idris has debunked reports of a growing rift between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, declaring that only the President has the constitutional right to choose his running mate in 2027—and that, for now, Shettima remains firmly by his side.

Tensions had flared across political circles following whispers of a possible fallout between the duo, intensified by incidents such as the North-East APC leadership’s endorsement of Tinubu for a second term without acknowledging Shettima, and reports that the Vice President was once denied access to the Presidential Villa. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum even reportedly protested the sidelining of Shettima during the controversial endorsement.

Addressing the matter during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, June 18, Minister Idris dismissed the speculations as unfounded fiction crafted to sow discord. “This feud exists in the imagination of people who want to believe that,” he said. “I’ve seen the President and the Vice President walk in close quarters. I’ve been in the room with both of them—recently.”

Responding to questions on whether Shettima may be replaced in 2027, Idris reminded Nigerians that running mate choices are entirely at the discretion of the presidential candidate. “When President Tinubu picked a vice president the first time, did you hear Shettima’s name before it was announced? It’s the prerogative of the President,” he declared.

He emphasized that Tinubu and Shettima share a long-standing, functional political alliance. “They are working perfectly together. Only yesterday, the Vice President was representing the President at the Banquet Hall. Every day of the week, you see him performing national duties,” Idris noted.

Downplaying reports that the VP was once restricted from seeing Tinubu, the Minister said, “Not see the President in this country? This is not an Atiku-Obasanjo scenario. Tinubu and Shettima have come a long way, and people are just trying to make noise out of nothing.”

Supporters of the ruling APC have also weighed in, warning political opportunists against exploiting regional sentiments to divide the presidency. Several close aides to both leaders confirmed to this publication that Shettima remains actively engaged in key decision-making and national representation.

As political maneuvering for 2027 intensifies, the presidency appears keen on projecting unity. The ruling party faces mounting pressure to avoid internal cracks, especially as opposition parties begin talks of merger and realignment ahead of the next general election.