2027 Election: The High-Stakes Hunt for Running Mates

Since Nigeria adopted its presidential system in 1979, candidates for president and governor must name running mates to qualify. With INEC opening its nomination portal on June 26 and closing submissions on July 11, parties must register both their lead and deputy candidates by then. Analysts say choosing a running mate goes beyond personal preference. Candidates juggle zoning, religion, age, gender and satisfy financiers, party leaders and traditional rulers. In 2023, President Tinubu first named a placeholder before confirming Kashim Shettima. All eight parties with presidential nominees are now in talks over deputies. The ruling APC faces ongoing debate over its 2027 ticket, while opposition parties like the ADC and NDC are finalizing their choices or awaiting confirmations. At the state level, outgoing governors also balance zoning agreements, ethnic considerations and loyalty when picking deputies. Experts warn that a poor match can spark legal challenges or internal rifts, making running-mate selection a critical battleground.

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