Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | journalist at wengglobal
ABUJA, Nigeria — Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima following his formal emergence as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election, describing the nomination as a recognition of the Vice President’s commitment to public service and national development.
The congratulatory visit, which took place on Friday night at Aguda House inside the Presidential Villa in Abuja, comes shortly after the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) officially retained the Tinubu-Shettima presidential ticket for the 2027 general election, ending months of political speculation surrounding the party’s vice-presidential nominee.
Governor Yusuf, who led a delegation of senior Kano State officials, praised Vice President Shettima for what he described as years of dedicated service to Nigeria, expressing confidence that the renewed confidence reposed in him reflects his contributions to governance and national leadership.
According to a statement released after the meeting, the governor offered prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, asking Allah to grant them wisdom, strength, sound health, and divine guidance as they prepare for the political journey leading to the 2027 general election.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives capable of strengthening national unity, promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, and advancing sustainable economic and social development across the federation.
Visit Signals Respect Across Political Divides
Governor Yusuf’s visit has attracted attention because it reflects an instance of political engagement across party lines at a time when preparations for the 2027 elections are gradually gathering momentum.
Although Governor Yusuf belongs to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), his visit to the Vice President focused on national leadership and statesmanship rather than partisan politics, according to information made available after the meeting.
Political observers note that such high-level engagements between leaders from different political platforms often underscore the importance of maintaining institutional relationships despite electoral competition.
The governor’s remarks centred largely on governance, national cohesion and prayers for the country’s leadership rather than campaign rhetoric, reinforcing a message of unity amid Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
APC Ends Months of Speculation
The development follows the APC’s official decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The announcement effectively put an end to widespread speculation that had persisted for months over whether President Tinubu would replace his deputy before seeking a second term in office.
The APC formally presented President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima as its presidential candidates after submitting the necessary nomination documents in line with the party’s internal processes. Party officials described the decision as a demonstration of confidence in the existing leadership team that won the 2023 presidential election.
Political analysts believe the decision provides clarity within the ruling party as it begins preparations for the next electoral cycle.
Prayers for Peace and National Development
During the meeting, Governor Yusuf emphasized the importance of peace, stability and national development as Nigeria continues to address economic and governance challenges.
He prayed that Allah would continue to guide both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in making decisions that would benefit Nigerians and strengthen democratic governance.
The governor further reiterated his readiness to support policies and programmes aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.
His remarks also highlighted the need for collaboration among political leaders irrespective of party affiliation in addressing issues affecting ordinary citizens.
Delegation Accompanying the Governor
Governor Yusuf was accompanied on the visit by several senior officials from Kano State.
Members of the delegation included:
- Hon. Engr. Garba Diso
- Hon. Muhammad Jamu Yusuf
- Kano State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Auwalu
The delegation joined the governor in congratulating Vice President Shettima and offering prayers for the success of Nigeria’s leadership.
Shettima’s Political Journey
Vice President Kashim Shettima remains one of Nigeria’s most experienced political figures.
Before becoming Vice President in 2023, he served as Governor of Borno State and later represented Borno Central Senatorial District in the Senate.
His re-nomination by President Tinubu reflects the APC leadership’s decision to maintain continuity within the administration as the party prepares for another electoral contest.
Supporters of the decision argue that continuity could strengthen policy implementation and provide political stability, while critics are expected to assess the administration’s performance as campaigns draw closer.
National Reactions Continue
Since the APC confirmed the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, congratulatory messages have continued to pour in from political leaders and government officials across the country.
Among those who have publicly welcomed the decision is Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, who described Shettima’s renomination as recognition of competence, loyalty and commitment to nation-building.
The APC leadership has maintained that retaining the Tinubu-Shettima ticket demonstrates confidence in the administration’s achievements and provides the party with continuity ahead of the next presidential election.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Although Nigeria’s next general election remains months away, political activities have intensified following the APC’s confirmation of its presidential ticket.
Political parties are expected to continue consultations, coalition-building and internal preparations as the electoral calendar progresses.
Analysts believe that endorsements, consultations and goodwill visits such as Governor Yusuf’s are likely to become more frequent as political stakeholders position themselves ahead of nationwide campaigns.
For now, Governor Yusuf’s visit stands as one of the early high-profile congratulatory engagements following Vice President Shettima’s formal nomination, while also highlighting calls for unity, peaceful democratic participation and national development.
As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, attention will increasingly focus on party strategies, governance performance, and policy issues likely to shape voter decisions across Nigeria.
Sources
- Channels Television
- Premium Times
- Punch Newspapers
- The Guardian Nigeria
- The Nation Newspaper
- APC official communications
