APC formally submits Tinubu-Shettima ticket as opposition parties race against nomination deadline while renewed debate over electoral credibility shapes the road to the 2027 general elections.
By John Ishaku & Amarachi Odenigbo
Abuja, Nigeria | July 11, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, ending months of political speculation over the future of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket as political parties raced to beat the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline for candidate submissions.
The formal presentation of the Tinubu-Shettima nomination forms to the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, on Friday effectively confirmed that the ruling party would maintain the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket that secured victory during the 2023 presidential election.
The development unfolded against the backdrop of heightened political activities nationwide as parties made last-minute efforts to upload the names of presidential, vice-presidential and National Assembly candidates before INEC’s statutory deadline.
Tinubu Ends Months of Speculation
For several months, political circles had been awash with reports suggesting President Tinubu might replace Vice President Kashim Shettima with a northern Christian in an attempt to broaden the APC’s electoral appeal and address persistent criticisms over religious balancing.
Friday’s nomination exercise, however, put an end to those speculations.
Representing the President, Special Adviser on Political Matters Ibrahim Masari formally presented the completed nomination forms during a ceremony attended by APC governors, National Assembly members, ministers, members of the National Working Committee and other senior party officials.
The presentation signals continuity within the ruling party as it prepares for what promises to be one of Nigeria’s most fiercely contested presidential elections.
APC Leadership Expresses Confidence
Speaking during the ceremony, APC National Organising Secretary Sulaiman Argungu described the event as the official submission of the party’s duly nominated presidential ticket.
He praised President Tinubu’s emergence through the party’s primary election while urging members to remain united ahead of the national campaign.
Receiving the nomination documents, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda declared that millions of party members had overwhelmingly endorsed President Tinubu.
According to him, the administration’s programmes, infrastructure development and student loan initiatives would translate into electoral support across the country.
He urged governors and party leaders to intensify grassroots mobilisation by showcasing what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration.
Yilwatda further challenged APC governors to compete in delivering the highest number of votes during the election.
Governors Reaffirm Support
Speaking on behalf of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma reaffirmed the governors’ commitment to President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He described the APC primary process as transparent and pledged continued support for both the President and the party leadership.
According to him, the governors remain committed to mobilising voters nationwide while ensuring APC victories across presidential, National Assembly and state elections.
INEC Deadline Sparks Nationwide Rush
The political developments coincided with intense activity at the Independent National Electoral Commission as parties hurried to complete candidate uploads before the July 11 deadline.
INEC had fixed July 11, 2026, as the deadline for submission of presidential and National Assembly nomination forms through its electronic nomination portal in line with Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.
National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna confirmed that several political parties had successfully uploaded varying categories of candidates while others were still completing the process.
According to INEC, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP) had already submitted both presidential and vice-presidential nominations.
However, some parties—including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), APGA, National Rescue Movement (NRM) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM)—were still completing submissions as of Friday.
INEC insisted the deadline would not be extended.
Opposition Parties Express Confidence
Despite the approaching deadline, opposition parties maintained they would complete submissions within the stipulated period.
Labour Party spokesman Ken Asogwa expressed confidence that the party would conclude uploads before the deadline while reaffirming Dr. Chibuzor Okereke as its presidential candidate.
Similarly, the Nigeria Democratic Congress maintained that Peter Obi remained its presidential candidate with Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso as running mate.
The African Democratic Congress also assured supporters that its submission process was progressing according to schedule.
Growing Concerns Over Electoral Integrity
Beyond candidate submissions, political leaders used the occasion to raise broader concerns about the credibility of the forthcoming elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar alleged that democratic institutions were increasingly being weakened through political interference.
Speaking through his spokesman, Atiku warned that electoral credibility extends beyond election day and depends on independent institutions, neutral security agencies, an impartial judiciary and equal opportunities for all contestants.
He accused the Federal Government of allegedly deploying state institutions for partisan purposes while insisting that the opposition would continue to pursue constitutional means to defend electoral integrity.
Bode George Warns Against Weakening Democracy
PDP elder statesman Chief Bode George also voiced concern over what he described as attempts to suppress opposition politics.
According to him, democracy thrives on robust opposition and respect for differing political opinions.
He warned that undermining democratic institutions could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s political stability.
YPP, DLA Raise Institutional Concerns
Other opposition voices echoed similar fears.
The Young Progressives Party identified what it termed “state capture” as its greatest concern ahead of the election, warning against possible interference in the independence of key democratic institutions.
Likewise, the Democratic Leadership Alliance argued that declining public confidence in electoral institutions remains one of the biggest threats to free and fair elections.
The party urged INEC and security agencies to operate strictly within constitutional provisions and remain politically neutral.
Critical Election Timetable
INEC’s timetable provides several important milestones ahead of the polls:
- Presidential and National Assembly candidate submission deadline: July 11, 2026
- Publication of presidential candidates’ particulars: August 1, 2026
- Withdrawal and substitution deadline: August 22, 2026
- Governorship and State Assembly nominations: July 18 – August 8, 2026
- Publication of governorship candidates: August 29, 2026
The commission has repeatedly warned that only candidates emerging from properly monitored party primaries will be recognised under the Electoral Act.
Political Implications
Tinubu’s decision to retain Shettima removes one of the biggest uncertainties within the APC and signals confidence in the electoral formula that delivered victory in 2023.
However, analysts believe the ruling party now faces a more complex political landscape shaped by economic challenges, security concerns and growing demands for transparent elections.
With opposition parties consolidating alliances and electoral debates intensifying, the coming months are expected to witness vigorous campaigns, legal battles and heightened public scrutiny of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
As INEC’s nomination deadline closes, Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race has entered a decisive phase. While the APC has reaffirmed continuity through the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, opposition parties continue positioning themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested election.
Beyond campaign rhetoric, the credibility of democratic institutions, public confidence in the electoral process and adherence to constitutional provisions are likely to become defining issues as Africa’s largest democracy moves closer to another crucial electoral cycle.
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