In a significant political move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Vice President Kashim Shettima as the Vice Chairman I of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 Presidential Campaign Council. This development comes as the ruling party gears up for the upcoming general elections scheduled to commence on January 16, 2027, as outlined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Kashim Shettima, who previously served as the governor of Borno State, has been a steadfast ally of President Tinubu. The President has consistently praised Shettima for his loyalty and support, describing him as a key pillar in his administration. This appointment is seen as a strategic move to solidify the party's leadership as it prepares for the electoral contest ahead.

The APC has been in power since 2015, following its victory over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As the party mobilizes for the 2027 elections, it faces various internal challenges, including a recent crisis regarding the composition of its Presidential Campaign Council. In response to these issues, President Tinubu convened a meeting with the Progressives Governors’ Forum at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on August 27, 2026. This meeting was part of ongoing efforts to address concerns surrounding the controversial list of campaign council members released on August 22, 2026.

During these discussions, the governors sought to review and amend the campaign council list, which has sparked considerable debate within the party. The consultations began on August 26, highlighting the urgency for the APC to present a united front ahead of the elections.

In a related concern, Chinedu Ogah, a member of the House of Representatives, has called on President Tinubu to reconsider the exclusion of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, from the campaign council. Ogah emphasized that Nwifuru's contributions to the party and his role in fostering unity within the APC warrant a prominent position in the campaign structure. He warned that neglecting the Abakaliki bloc, a significant political constituency in Ebonyi, could send a negative signal to party members and supporters in the region.

As the APC continues to navigate these internal dynamics, the appointment of Shettima is expected to play a crucial role in the party's strategy as it aims for a second term in office under President Tinubu's leadership.