A fierce competition is emerging within the APC over who will be President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in 2027—a clash intricately tied to the succession battle for the presidency in 2031 . Party elders and political heavyweights from the North are actively lobbying to secure the coveted vice-presidential spot, knowing it could be a stepping stone to the top office.
Recent chaos at the North‑East APC stakeholders’ meeting—where supporters of Vice President Kashim Shettima hurled chairs at party officials—highlights the tensions . Advocates of several northern governors and National Assembly leaders argue that Shettima’s re‑selection would give him a major advantage in the 2031 APC primaries.
Meanwhile, whispers persist that Tinubu might shake up expectations by selecting a Christian candidate from Bauchi or another northern zone—part of the delicate balance between religious diversity and political strategy . However, many fear such a move could alienate voters in the North‑West and North‑East, where APC support remains vital .
Behind the scenes, contenders are stepping up consultations and offering high-stakes deals to secure backing. Even the former governor of Kaduna, Nasir El‑Rufai, was reportedly kept out of the administration due to his 2031 ambitions . Meanwhile, southern northern figures like Senator Barau Jibrin have tried to position themselves—but have since urged unity and calm .
As the APC moves closer to its convention, the VP slot contest is fast becoming a proxy war for the bigger prize: leading the party into the 2031 presidential battle.
