By Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis

A member of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Tolu Bankole, has welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, describing it as evidence of a successful partnership that has outlived pre-election criticisms.

Bankole, who also serves as the APC National Leader for Persons with Disabilities, made the remarks in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.

His reaction comes days after the APC National Executive Committee endorsed Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election, with the President confirming that Shettima would remain his running mate.

The Muslim-Muslim ticket, which generated intense debate ahead of the 2023 general election over concerns about religious balancing and national inclusiveness, has continued to attract mixed reactions from political stakeholders.

While opposition parties have faulted the decision, arguing that it ignores Nigeria’s religious diversity, APC leaders have defended the move, insisting it is based on competence and continuity.

Backing the President’s decision, Bankole said Tinubu’s renewed confidence in Shettima reflected a working relationship built on trust, competence and a shared vision for governance.

He said, “From the very beginning, this ticket was subjected to unprecedented scrutiny, doubts, and outright hostility

“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.”

The APC chieftain recalled the concerns that trailed the Tinubu-Shettima ticket before the 2023 election, including questions over religious balancing, regional cohesion and the administration’s ability to manage Nigeria’s diversity.

According to him, the Vice President has since justified the President’s confidence through his contributions to governance.

“Today, Vice President Kashim Shettima has beaten those odds. He has shown competence in coordinating critical economic and social interventions. He has shown character in standing firm with the President on tough but necessary reforms.

“And he has shown humility in carrying out his duties without seeking the spotlight, always putting the interest of the nation first,” he said.

Bankole noted that Shettima had played key roles in the National Economic Council, humanitarian and poverty alleviation programmes, as well as diplomatic engagements aimed at advancing the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The Vice President has been more than a constitutional spare tyre. He has been a partner in governance, a stabilising force, and a bridge between government and critical stakeholders at the state and grassroots levels,” he added.

He further argued that Tinubu’s decision to retain Shettima would guarantee continuity in the administration’s policies and programmes.

“It means stability for the ongoing programmes and policies of this administration. It means that the fiscal reforms, infrastructure drive, security architecture, and social investment plans will continue with the same team that designed and started them. It means Nigerians can expect consistency, not confusion; consolidation, not experiment,” he said.

Bankole also expressed confidence that the renewed partnership would strengthen policy implementation ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in the areas of food security, job creation, the digital economy and national security.

“As we move forward, this administration needs unity of purpose at the very top. 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,” he said.

He also called on APC members, government officials and Nigerians to support the Tinubu administration in delivering on its Renewed Hope Agenda.

Source: Punch