Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has clarified that the president will announce his running mate for the 2027 election only after the All Progressives Congress (APC) holds its next national convention.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust, Onanuga addressed ongoing rumors suggesting that President Tinubu plans to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general election. These speculations intensified after some speakers at an APC stakeholders’ summit in Gombe State endorsed Tinubu for a second term but failed to mention Shettima during the endorsement—an omission that caused a disruption at the event, as some delegates protested the Vice President’s exclusion.
Responding to why the presidency has not issued an official statement on the matter, Onanuga downplayed the speculation, describing it as a “non-issue.” He explained that in Nigeria’s presidential system, it is standard practice for a presidential candidate to be nominated first before selecting a running mate.
“That’s the normal process,” Onanuga said. “It was the same under President Buhari—he was nominated first, then he picked his running mate. You don’t choose both at the same time. Once INEC releases the timetable, the party convention will take place. If President Tinubu is nominated again, he will then choose his running mate.”
Onanuga also dismissed claims of a rift between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima as nothing more than unfounded gossip. “I’m not aware of any problem between the president and the vice president. From what I know, they enjoy a very good working relationship,” he said. “All this talk is just beer parlour gossip. People even go as far as saying Seyi Tinubu is the vice president. That’s absolute nonsense.”
His remarks come as the APC continues internal consultations ahead of the 2027 elections, with speculation swirling over potential changes within the party’s leadership and ticket.
