A member of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tolu Bankole, has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, describing the move as a testament to the strength and success of their working relationship.
Bankole, who also serves as the APC National Leader for Persons with Disabilities, made the remarks in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.
His comments followed the recent endorsement of President Tinubu as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election by the party’s National Executive Committee. Tinubu subsequently confirmed that Shettima would remain his vice-presidential candidate.
The decision has reignited debate over the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, which drew widespread criticism ahead of the 2023 general election due to concerns about religious inclusiveness and national balance. While opposition parties have continued to question the arrangement, APC leaders insist the ticket is based on competence, performance and continuity.
Defending the President’s decision, Bankole said the partnership between Tinubu and Shettima has surpassed the doubts and criticisms that greeted its formation.
He noted that many critics had predicted the alliance would struggle because of concerns over religious balancing, regional representation and the administration’s ability to manage Nigeria’s diversity. According to him, developments over the past three years have disproved those predictions.
Bankole praised Shettima’s contributions to governance, describing him as a dependable partner who has played significant roles in coordinating economic and social interventions while supporting key government reforms.
He also commended the Vice President’s leadership style, saying he has carried out his responsibilities with humility and remained focused on national interest rather than personal recognition.
According to the APC chieftain, Shettima has made notable contributions through the National Economic Council, humanitarian initiatives, poverty alleviation programmes and diplomatic engagements that support the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He added that the Vice President has served as more than a constitutional deputy, describing him as a stabilising force who has strengthened collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments and grassroots stakeholders.
Bankole further argued that retaining Shettima would ensure continuity in the administration’s economic reforms, infrastructure development, security initiatives and social investment programmes.
He expressed confidence that the Tinubu-Shettima partnership would enhance policy implementation in critical sectors such as food security, job creation, the digital economy and national security as the administration prepares for the 2027 elections.
The APC leader also urged party members, government officials and Nigerians to support the administration in advancing its Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that unity at the highest level of government remains essential for achieving the administration’s objectives.
