The Presidency has confirmed that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will choose his running mate for the 2027 election only after he is officially nominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) during its convention.

Speaking to Daily Trust, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, dismissed the speculation about Vice President Kashim Shettima being dropped. He described such claims as unfounded, adding that the President and Vice President enjoy an excellent working relationship.

Mr. Onanuga noted that in a presidential system, the candidate is nominated first before selecting a running mate, just as it was done under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He explained that President Tinubu’s past decisions as Lagos State governor regarding his deputies were based on specific political circumstances, not a pattern.

He also addressed the topic of religion, stating that the Muslim-Muslim ticket is no longer an issue, and reminded the public that President Tinubu even attended the Pope’s inauguration in Rome, underscoring his inclusive leadership.

On the recent wave of endorsements for President Tinubu, Mr. Onanuga clarified that they are in response to early attacks from the opposition. He added that while the campaign period has not officially begun, the APC cannot remain silent while others are already plotting openly.