Tinubu and Shettima: The Power Duo That Beat the Odds
Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has made it official: Vice President Kashim Shettima is staying on for the 2027 race. And for APC chieftain Tolu Bankole, this isn't just a political move — it's a victory lap for a partnership that critics said would never work.
Bankole, the APC National Leader for Persons with Disabilities, dropped these words in a statement from Abuja on Monday. He's pumped. And he's not alone. The party's National Executive Committee has already crowned Tinubu as its sole candidate for 2027, with Shettima locked in as running mate.
Remember the 2023 Muslim-Muslim ticket? That debate was wild. People were shouting about religious balance and national unity. Opposition parties are still at it, claiming the ticket ignores Nigeria's diversity. But APC leaders are standing firm: it's about competence and continuity, not controversy.
Why Shettima Stays: The Proof Is in the Governance
Bankole didn't hold back. He said Tinubu's confidence in Shettima is built on trust, competence, and a shared vision. He recalled how the ticket faced unprecedented scrutiny before 2023. Many predicted it would crash and burn. Three years later, those predictions are dust.
“From the very beginning, this ticket was subjected to unprecedented scrutiny, doubts, and outright hostility,” Bankole said. “Many predicted that the pairing would not work. Some questioned the character, the chemistry, and the capacity of the partnership to steer Nigeria through difficult times. Three years on, those predictions have been proven wrong.”
Shettima, according to Bankole, has been more than a spare tyre. He's been a partner in governance. He's coordinated economic and social interventions, stood firm on tough reforms, and stayed humble — always putting the nation first.
What This Means for Nigeria's Future
Bankole argued that keeping Shettima guarantees stability. The fiscal reforms, infrastructure push, security plans, and social investments will keep rolling with the same team. No confusion. No experiments. Just consolidation.
“It means Nigerians can expect consistency, not confusion; consolidation, not experiment,” he said.
He also pointed to Shettima's role in the National Economic Council, humanitarian programs, and diplomatic moves tied to the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Vice President has been a bridge between government and grassroots stakeholders.
The Bigger Picture: African Leadership on the Rise
This isn't just about one party or one election. It's about African leaders who stand their ground. Tinubu and Shettima are showing that a ticket can defy foreign narratives and domestic doubts. They're proving that competence and loyalty beat identity politics every time.
Bankole called on APC members and all Nigerians to back the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda. The focus is on food security, job creation, the digital economy, and national security. With this duo at the helm, the message is clear: Nigeria is moving forward, no brakes.
As Bankole put it, “What President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima have built is a model of mutual respect and shared responsibility. It is a partnership that Nigerians can trust to deliver.”