Tinubu Sticks with Shettima for 2027 Election

The question of whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will keep Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate has been answered. With the presidential nomination forms submitted to the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are confirmed as the party's presidential ticket.

I always believed President Tinubu would stick with my principal, Vice President Kashim Shettima. The President is a man who stands by his beliefs. He values loyalty, hard work, and trust. He does not make big decisions based on rumors or pressure from political opponents.

Since this administration began, Vice President Shettima has shown total loyalty to his boss. He has done every task given to him with dedication and without seeking the spotlight. He sees the administration's success as more important than personal fame.

One thing that stands out is the bond between the President and his Vice President. Since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, it is hard to think of another President and Vice President who have worked together with this level of trust, understanding, and respect.

Despite this strong relationship, some people have tried hard to create division between the two leaders. Politics can be a dirty game. But I never thought it could get this dirty.

Vice President Shettima shared a shocking story at the public presentation of the autobiography of former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon. He said some people from his home state went to President Tinubu and warned him not to wear clothes given to him by the Vice President. They claimed the Vice President wanted to poison or kill him to take over power. This story seems unbelievable, yet it came from the Vice President himself in front of an important audience.

What could hurt more than that? Here is a man who became the second highest official in Nigeria, the highest political office ever held by someone from Borno State. Instead of supporting him, some people chose to spread lies and doubt to harm him politically.

Thankfully, their scheme did not work. President Tinubu was not fooled. Instead of letting lies and troublemakers sway his judgment, he kept working closely with his deputy. Now, the same Vice President they wanted to push out has again been given the job of standing beside the President as they seek another term from Nigerians.

This should send a strong message. Lies may spread quickly, but the truth always catches up in the end.

Now that the 2027 ticket is settled, some political circles are already asking who will succeed President Tinubu in 2031. Those asking are jumping the gun.

Vice President Shettima has not shown any signs of being distracted by the politics of 2031. Right now, he is focused on supporting President Tinubu and ensuring the administration's success. There will be time for future political talks when the time is right. As the saying goes, one crosses the bridge when they get there.

Moreover, leadership is ultimately in God's hands. God chooses kings and removes them. People may plan, hold meetings, and plot against each other, but the final decision belongs to God.

As we get closer to 2027, I am confident that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket will present its case to Nigerians again. Just as many doubted them in 2023 and they won against all odds, I believe they will once more seek the trust of Nigerians confidently.

For now, we should focus on governance, fulfilling promises made to Nigerians, and strengthening the partnership that has brought stability to the Presidency.

That, to me, is the real value and lasting reward of loyalty.