The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday formalised its presidential ticket for the 2027 general election, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate.

Displaying absolute confidence ahead of the polls, party leadership declared that its victory is already “assured,” citing a rock-solid foundation of over 12 million registered members and the visible milestones of the current administration.

The duly completed nomination forms for both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima were submitted to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at a colourful ceremony at the Ladi Kwaki International Conference Centre of Abuja Continental Hotel for onward transmission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.

Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, submitted the documents on the President’s behalf.

The high-profile ceremony drew heavyweights from across the party, including members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, representatives from the National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), and state party chairmen.

Welcoming dignitaries to the brief but solemn ceremony, APC National Organising Secretary Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu noted that the event was the natural climax of a highly transparent internal process.

“The presidential flag bearer emerged through a thoroughly transparent primary process,” Argungu said, while praising President Tinubu’s “positive strides” and urging party faithful to remain united, prayerful, and steadfast.

The ceremony culminated in the presentation of the completed nomination forms for the President and his running mate by the Presidential Adviser, Masari, who was accompanied by all the governors in attendance, members of the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Reinforcing the governors’ total commitment to the ticket, PGF Chairman Governor Hope Uzodimma stated that the transparent nature of the primaries had made marketing the candidates seamless.

“We are delighted that this event is coming after a well-organised and thoroughly supervised primary process,” Uzodimma said. “We reiterate our commitment to continue supporting President Tinubu and the party.”

Uzodimma described the APC as a beacon of internal democracy and inclusiveness, promising that the governors would spearhead a total clean sweep at the polls.

“We will continue to support him in the larger interest of Nigerians and to take the country to greater heights. Together, we are going to deliver victory for President Tinubu and ensure the party wins all elective positions, including the National and State Assemblies,” Uzodimma added.

Receiving the nomination forms, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda stated that the revalidation of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket represents the authentic heartbeat of the party’s grassroots.

“Today is a reflection of the wishes of over 12 million members of our party who supported the President’s candidature,” Yilwatda remarked. “We are proud of the support already in the kitty of President Tinubu, and we are convinced that many more Nigerians will vote for him.”

Yilwatda pointed to key initiatives such as the student loan scheme—which he noted has already benefited over 1.5 million students—alongside targeted agricultural interventions and nationwide infrastructure projects as verifiable proof of performance.

He urged party members to return to their local communities armed with facts rather than rhetoric to dismantle opposition narratives.

“While others are busy spreading propaganda, let us counter them with facts. Nigerians have seen governance that touches lives across the six geopolitical zones,” Yilwatda stated.

The National Chairman emphasised that the APC holds a distinct institutional advantage over its rivals, being the only political platform in the country backed by a fully digitalised and verified membership database.

“We already have about 12 million verified members. We are going round the country to mobilise support for the President. I am also confident that our governors will compete among themselves to deliver the highest number of votes,” Yilwatda said.

Sending a clear message to the President, the APC Chairman told Masari: “Go and tell the leader of our party (President Tinubu) that our members and Nigerians will vote for him to continue the excellent work he is doing. As a party, we are proud to be presenting the best candidate. There is no shaking at all. Come 2027, our victory is assured.”

Asked on the sidelines of the ceremony to confirm the party’s presidential running mate, as no name was mentioned throughout the ceremony, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said, “The presidential candidate of the party is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and our Vice Presidential candidate is Senator Kashim Shetima.” (The Nation)

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