According to report by Nigerian Tribune on Sunday, June 7, 2026, with the conclusion of presidential primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, political parties in Nigeria have shifted focus to one of the most sensitive aspects of their campaign strategy, the selection of vice-presidential candidates.
Despite having a deadline of June 27 to submit final candidate lists to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), major parties are still embroiled in consultations and negotiations.
Within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), there are reported unresolved tensions surrounding Vice President Kashim Shettima’s continued place on the ticket.
While details remain closely guarded within the presidency, insiders suggest that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is still weighing his options.
Considerations around religious and regional balancing are central to the discussions, with figures such as former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara and retired Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa mentioned among possible alternatives.
However, some stakeholders argue in favour of maintaining the current Muslim-Muslim ticket, proposing that if Shettima is replaced, the party could still achieve regional balance by selecting National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu from the North-East.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, is also actively deliberating on a suitable running mate.
Names under consideration reportedly include former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi and ex-Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha.
Although there are claims that Amaechi may have declined interest, other party insiders insist that no formal offer has been made and consultations are ongoing.
There are also indications that Atiku previously explored the possibility of selecting a running mate from the South-West, though such arrangements appear uncertain.
Among major contenders, only the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has completed its ticket arrangement, with presidential candidate Peter Obi announcing Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate.
Meanwhile, factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as well as candidates of the Accord Party and Social Democratic Party (SDP), are still struggling to finalise their vice-presidential choices.
As the deadline approaches, parties remain under pressure to conclude negotiations and avoid last-minute complications.
