Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | journalist at wengglobal
ABUJA, Nigeria โ Former member of the House of Representatives and Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Abdulrazak Namdas, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reported decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, describing the move as a demonstration of confidence in continuity, experience, and effective governance. The remarks were reported by Independent Newspaper, which attributed the comments to a statement issued by Namdas in Abuja.
According to Independent Newspaper, Namdas said the President’s reported decision reflects a commitment to stability and consistency in implementing the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He argued that maintaining the Tinubu-Shettima partnership would help sustain ongoing reforms and preserve institutional continuity as the country prepares for another election cycle.
In the statement published by the newspaper, Namdas congratulated Vice President Shettima on what he described as his renomination as the All Progressives Congress (APC) vice-presidential candidate. He also praised President Tinubu for retaining a deputy whom he said has remained a dependable partner in government since the administration assumed office in May 2023.
The former lawmaker reportedly stated that Shettima has played a significant role in advancing government policies, supporting economic reforms, engaging with the private sector, and representing Nigeria in international engagements. According to the report, Namdas maintained that the Vice President has demonstrated competence, humility, and dedication while contributing to the administration’s policy objectives.
Independent Newspaper further reported that Namdas believes retaining Shettima sends a broader message that teamwork, performance, and experience remain central to the Tinubu administration’s approach to governance. He reportedly argued that rewarding performance strengthens public confidence in leadership and reinforces the importance of institutional stability.
The report also quoted Namdas as expressing optimism about the APC’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general election. He described the Tinubu-Shettima ticket as a formidable political platform capable of building on existing reforms in the areas of economic recovery, national security, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment.
According to the newspaper, Namdas acknowledged that Nigeria continues to face economic and social challenges but maintained that the administration has laid a foundation for long-term national development. He reportedly urged party supporters to remain united while expressing confidence that sustained implementation of government policies would produce broader economic benefits over time.
The reported endorsement comes amid increasing political conversations surrounding the 2027 general election. Although formal campaigns are still subject to the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political consultations and endorsements have continued to emerge from stakeholders across the country as parties position themselves for future contests.
It is important to note that, as of the time of publication, WengGlobal has not independently verified the reported APC nomination beyond the statement published by Independent Newspaper. Other major Nigerian news organisations had not widely reported the development at the time this article was prepared. Readers should therefore understand that this report is based on Independent Newspaper’s account of Namdas’ statement.
President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima were elected on the APC ticket in the 2023 presidential election and assumed office on May 29, 2023. Their administration has since pursued the Renewed Hope Agenda, introducing reforms that include the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange market adjustments, fiscal reforms, and efforts to attract investment. These policies have generated both support and criticism, with supporters arguing they are necessary for long-term economic stability while critics cite the impact on inflation and the cost of living.
Political analysts say endorsements from influential party members and former elected officials often play an important role in shaping public discourse ahead of elections. However, they also note that official party nominations and electoral processes remain subject to constitutional provisions, party procedures, and INEC regulations.
For the APC, maintaining unity among party leaders and stakeholders is expected to remain a strategic priority as preparations gradually begin for the next electoral cycle. Whether additional endorsements emerge in support of the reported Tinubu-Shettima ticket remains to be seen.
WengGlobal will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as further official confirmations or statements become available from the APC, the Presidency, INEC, or other authoritative sources.
Sources
- Independent Newspaper
- Background: Public records on the 2023 presidential election and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
- punch Newspaper
