The National Working Committee, NWC, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has formally unveiled Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

The National chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, disclosed the this via X when he stated that “the party formally received the presidential nomination forms of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, ahead of the 2027 general election” on Friday .

Yilwatda described the development as a defining moment that reaffirmed the party’s collective resolve to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda and deepen the progress already being recorded across the country.

The development comes amid months of speculation that President Tinubu might replace Shettima with a northern Christian as his vice-presidential candidate ahead of the election.

“Today marked another significant milestone in the journey of our great party as I formally received the presidential nomination forms of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, ahead of the 2027 general election. It was a defining moment that reaffirmed our collective resolve to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda and deepen the progress already being recorded across the country.

“The nomination forms were presented on behalf of President Tinubu by his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Masari, during a well-attended ceremony at the Continental Hotel, Abuja. The presentation underscored the confidence of our party in the leadership of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima as they prepare to seek a renewed mandate from the Nigerian people.

“The event brought together an impressive array of leaders of our great party, including the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, alongside Governors Mai Mala Buni, Nasir Idris, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Uba Sani, Babagana Umara Zulum, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, as well as other governors, party executives and critical stakeholders from across the federation.

“The atmosphere was one of unity, confidence and shared purpose. As we move towards 2027, the All Progressives Congress remains focused on strengthening its grassroots support, consolidating the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda and working together to build a more prosperous, secure and inclusive Nigeria for all,” the APC chairman wrote.

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has vowed to withdraw from the 2027 election if any evidence presented by Kenneth Okonkwo proves him unfit to serve.

Obi had filed a defamation suit against Okonkwo, who was recently appointed as spokesman of African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.

The ex-Anambra governor dated Okonkwo to publicly release every alleged damaging piece of information he claims to have against him.

Obi made the vow during an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, stating that his lawsuit against Okonkwo was not intended to silence him but to compel him to substantiate his repeated claims.

The NDC presidential hopeful noted that Nigerians deserve to know the true character and background of anyone seeking public office before they are elected.

“I want Kenneth Okonkwo to bring out all the ‘hidden things’ that he has on me. If I am not qualified after his revelation, then I’ll stop running for the election,” Obi said.

According to him, Okonkwo had repeatedly claimed to possess sensitive information about him from the period he served as his spokesperson.

The Anambra-born politician, while responding to criticism that the lawsuit was an attempt to stifle free speech, said its sole purpose was to compel Okonkwo to present whatever evidence he claimed to have.

“Kenneth Okonkwo said, as my spokesperson, he had so many hidden things that if he’s provoked or sued, he will bring them out. And that’s the only thing I’m suing him for—to bring those things out,” he added.