Only the presidential candidate emerges, and it is entirely his prerogative to choose a running mate…
The National Vice Chairman (North-East) of the All Progressives Congress, Mustapha Salihu, says President Bola Tinubu has the constitutional right to choose his running mate for the 2027 election.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Salihu stated, “There is no such thing as a joint ticket during party primaries. Only the presidential candidate emerges, and it is entirely his prerogative to choose a running mate — after he becomes the flagbearer.”
He noted that although party consultations are common, the final decision rests solely with the candidate.
Addressing reports of excluding Vice President Kashim Shettima from his speech in Gombe, Salihu said, “The last paragraph of my speech before the fracas was dedicated to eulogising Kashim Shettima.”
He thanked Tinubu for appointing key North-East officials, including NSA Nuhu Ribadu.
Dismissing rumours of discord, he said, “Some people thrive on creating tension. We call them ‘crisis entrepreneurs’… These rumours are inevitable.”
He warned against believing “conspiracy theories” spread online.