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Picking a running mate ranks among the toughest decisions for anyone seeking Nigeria’s top political jobs. Since 1979, when the country shifted to the presidential system, this task has plagued both presidential and gubernatorial candidates.
The Independent National Electoral Commission just set its timelines for the 2027 race. INEC will release portal access codes on June 26, with July 11 as the final deadline for all candidate submissions.
Every political party must file complete information by then. This includes details about running mates for all nominees.
Nigeria’s Constitution spells it out clearly in Section 142(1). Any presidential candidate who fails to name a running mate cannot be considered validly nominated for office.
Yet many candidates exploit a loophole in the system. They submit placeholder names initially, knowing they can swap them out later if needed.
Bola Tinubu did exactly this in 2023. The APC flagbearer first named Ibrahim Kabir Masari as his interim vice-presidential pick, then replaced him with Kashim Shettima.
Political analysts identify multiple factors that complicate these decisions. Geopolitical balance matters hugely — candidates typically choose running mates from different zones to signal inclusivity.
Powerful interests shape the final pick too. Campaign financiers, traditional rulers, and party heavyweights all demand a seat at the table.
Gender and age considerations factor in as well. Finding someone who ticks every box isn’t easy.
Professor Murtala Mohammed, a political scientist, explained the calculation involved. Governors weigh a prospect’s electoral strength, popularity, grassroots connections, and vote-mobilising capacity carefully.
Beyond popularity, competence matters enormously. Mohammed noted that “administrative experience, leadership qualities, loyalty, trustworthiness, and financial and organisational capacity” all influence the final choice.
Right now, eight parties with presidential nominees are wrestling with this issue. The APC is among them.
What’s strangest is the ruling party’s predicament. Two years into his term, the president faced widespread talk about replacing the vice president — a highly unusual situation.
Though officials have largely managed the controversy, it hasn’t completely vanished. APC insiders remain uneasy about it.
One party source spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity. According to him, the president should have settled this matter long ago.
He ought to have announced his 2027 running mate when collecting his Certificate of Return. That single declaration would’ve shut down lobbying and put the matter to rest permanently.
