President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially taken another major step toward the 2027 presidential election after Vice President Kashim Shettima submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The submission formally signals the commencement of Tinubu’s bid to secure the ruling party’s presidential ticket for a second term in office.
Shettima presented the forms on Thursday at the APC national secretariat in Abuja in the presence of party leaders, governors, lawmakers, and members of the party’s National Working Committee.
Speaking during the submission, the Vice President described Tinubu as a leader who has demonstrated courage and resilience in navigating Nigeria through difficult economic conditions.
According to him, the President’s policies and reforms have laid the foundation for long-term economic recovery and national stability.
“We are here, first as Nigerians and secondly as members of the APC, to submit this very priceless nomination form of our dear President and leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Shettima said.
He urged party members and Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that the administration’s reforms require continuity to fully deliver results.
The nomination forms were reportedly obtained earlier by members of the Tinubu Support Groups and APC stakeholders loyal to the President.
The forms, valued at N100 million, represent both the expression of interest and presidential nomination requirements for aspirants seeking the APC ticket ahead of the 2027 election.
Several APC governors and high-ranking party officials attended the event, signaling growing internal mobilisation around Tinubu’s re-election ambition.
Among those present were governors from multiple APC-controlled states, alongside senior National Assembly members and prominent party figures.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, reportedly defended the party’s support for Tinubu, citing ongoing economic reforms and governance policies implemented since 2023.
According to him, the administration’s performance justifies another term for the President.
Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and governor of Imo State, also reaffirmed support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition during the submission ceremony.
The development comes amid increasing political activity across Nigeria as parties and politicians gradually position themselves ahead of the next election cycle.
Although the 2027 election remains months away, consultations, endorsements, coalition talks, and nomination processes have already intensified within major political parties.
Political observers believe the formal submission of Tinubu’s forms is designed to consolidate support early and strengthen internal party coordination before APC primaries begin.
Analysts also say the move sends a clear signal that the ruling party intends to rally behind Tinubu as its consensus presidential candidate barring any major internal disruption.
The APC recently opened sales of nomination and expression of interest forms for aspirants contesting various elective positions, including governorship, National Assembly, and presidential seats.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already released timelines for the 2027 general elections, further accelerating political preparations nationwide.
Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, has faced mixed public reactions over economic reforms including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate liberalisation, and fiscal restructuring policies.
While supporters argue the reforms are necessary to stabilise Nigeria’s economy, critics maintain that rising inflation and economic hardship continue to affect millions of Nigerians.
Nevertheless, Thursday’s development confirms that the President and his political allies are moving aggressively to secure continuity beyond the current administration’s first term.
As the race toward 2027 gradually gathers momentum, the APC’s internal dynamics and opposition coalition movements are expected to shape Nigeria’s evolving political landscape in the months ahead.