Tinubu has shown the world his capacity- Shetimma

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday formally submitted President Bola Tinubu’s expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2027 presidential election, declaring that the president had demonstrated the resolve to steer Nigeria through difficult economic conditions.

The submission, made to the National Working Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Abuja, officially signalled Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office.

The move follows the earlier purchase of the party’s ₦100 million nomination forms on April 28 by James Faleke on behalf of the president and several support groups backing his re-election ambition.

Speaking during the submission, Shettima described the administration’s first term as a period marked by tough but necessary decisions aimed at rebuilding the economy.

“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,” the vice president said.

Defending the administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy and measures linked to exchange rate reforms, Shettima maintained that Tinubu had remained steadfast despite criticism over rising inflation and the cost of living.

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

“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.”

Faleke had earlier said the president’s decision to seek re-election was in response to appeals from supporters across the country’s six geopolitical zones who urged him to continue ongoing infrastructure and social welfare programmes.

Tinubu’s formal entry into the 2027 race comes amid continued public debate over the economic impact of the administration’s reforms. While the presidency has pointed to improved foreign exchange stability and renewed investor confidence as signs of progress, inflation and the rising cost of living remain major concerns for many Nigerians.

Shettima, however, insisted that the administration’s policies were aimed at securing long-term economic stability for the country.

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