With the May 30 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the emergence of presidential candidates now met, the successful contenders have begun searching for running mates ahead of the January 2027 election.
Some have already moved quickly. The Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate, Peter Obi, has picked former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate. For President Bola Tinubu, it remains unclear whether he will retain Vice President Kassim Shettima or repeat the Muslim Muslim ticket of 2023 despite Christian agitation for the slot.
Although not a constitutional requirement, most candidates are expected to seek a Christian Muslim balance, partly because a running mate can boost support from the deputy’s geopolitical zone. With recent events sharpening sensitivities, religion and ethnicity are likely to feature prominently in the contest.
The ADC candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has yet to name his running mate, but sources close to his camp say he is seeking a figure capable of breaking the All Progressives Congress stronghold in the south. Three camps have emerged. One favors ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, though his being a Muslim works against him, with a source noting that Atiku cannot risk a Muslim Muslim ticket. A second camp backs Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, who has insisted he did not buy a presidential nomination form to become anyone’s deputy, even as his recent meetings with Atiku fuel speculation. A third group is pushing former Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha, a longtime ally whose name has surfaced repeatedly. World Trade Organization Director General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, whose economic credentials are seen as an asset, is also said to be under consideration, though her current term runs until 2027.
For the Accord party, sources say candidate Dr. Gbenga Hashim, a Christian from the Middle Belt with mixed Hausa and Yoruba parentage, is considering a Muslim running mate from Edo State, with an announcement expected soon. In the Labour Party, candidate Chibuzor Okereke, a Christian from the South East, may select a Muslim running mate from one of the three northern zones.
The Peoples Democratic Party has former President Goodluck Jonathan as its candidate, though he has yet to formally accept or reject the nomination. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is pursuing his ambition on the Allied Peoples Movement platform. Before Governor Bala Mohammed defected from the PDP to the APM, he was seen as a possible running mate to Makinde, but he has since bought a senatorial ticket in Bauchi State, leaving his next move uncertain.
