‎By Ahmed Akanbi
‎The North East APC Youth Critical Stakeholders Forum has applauded President Bola Tinubu for re-nominating Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, pledging massive voter mobilization to repay the gesture.
‎The forum leader, Comrade Haruna Sardauna, described the decision as a reward for loyalty, competence and inclusive leadership, saying it has renewed confidence in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
‎The group described Shettima as a loyal and dependable deputy whose performance in office has justified the confidence reposed in him by President Tinubu and the ruling APC.
‎According to a statement by the stakeholders, the Vice President’s re-nomination is both a recognition of his contributions to governance and an affirmation of the strategic importance of the North East in national politics.
‎The forum recalled that it was among groups that campaigned for the vice-presidential ticket to be zoned to the North East ahead of the 2023 elections, and thanked the President for maintaining the arrangement.
‎“We sincerely appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for retaining the Vice President from the North East. This decision reflects fairness, equity and political wisdom,” the statement said.
‎The group pledged overwhelming electoral support for the Tinubu/Shettima ticket in 2027, with a promise to mobilize voters across the region.
‎Sardauna said youths account for more than 70 per cent of registered voters in the North East and vowed to ensure the APC secures the highest number of votes from the region.
‎“Our youth make up over 70 per cent of the total registered voters in the North East. We will mobilise massively to support the APC and repay this gesture of trust and inclusion. The Northeast will not disappoint Mr President,” he said.
‎The forum further noted that retaining the vice-presidential slot in the North East is significant given the region’s experience with the Boko Haram insurgency, adding that theongoing reconstruction, security interventions and development programmes under the Tinubu administration have begun restoring stability and improving livelihoods.
‎It added that the administration has strengthened the region’s sense of inclusion through infrastructure projects, humanitarian interventions and policies aimed at promoting economic recovery.
‎The stakeholders maintained that Shettima’s re-nomination represents continuity in governance and called on APC members, traditional rulers and civil society organisations across the region to unite behind the Tinubu/Shettima ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.