Shettima Submits Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Forms, Defends Economic Reforms

Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially submitted President Bola Tinubu’s expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2027 presidential election, stating that the president has “proved his mettle” in handling Nigeria’s economic difficulties.

The submission, made on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee headquarters in Abuja, formally confirms Tinubu’s intention to seek a second term in office.

This development comes after the initial purchase of the ₦100 million nomination forms on April 28 by James Faleke, who represented the president alongside several support groups.

Speaking during the submission, Shettima described the administration’s first term as a challenging but necessary phase aimed at achieving long-term economic recovery.

“As he seeks to lead us for another four-year term, through thick and thin, the President has proved his mettle and has shown the world his capacity and resolve to pull the nation out of the woods of misery and pain,” Shettima stated.

The Vice President also addressed concerns surrounding inflation and the removal of the petrol subsidy, insisting that Tinubu has remained focused despite the political consequences tied to the reforms.

“The storms of the past years have not diminished him; they have made a fine steel out of him,” the Vice President said.

“He has steered this ship through turbulent waters with courage, taking difficult but necessary decisions to stabilise the economy, restore confidence, and prepare Nigeria for a more sustainable future.”

The formal submission follows weeks of consultations within the APC. While collecting the forms in April, Faleke explained that the move was inspired by “calls from across the six geo-political zones” urging the president to continue his infrastructure and social welfare initiatives.

Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, however, comes at a time of mounting socio-economic concerns across the country. Although the presidency points to foreign exchange stability and growing investor confidence as signs of progress, rising inflation and the increasing cost of living remain major issues in public discourse.

Reflecting on the criticism surrounding the administration’s policies, Shettima acknowledged the tension between government decisions and public opinion.

“Hence, our support and reason for rallying around him, the truth that sets men free is most often the truth that men prefer not to hear,” he said.