2027: Elections will be won by coalitions, not noise — Shettima

By Kunle Sanni –

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the 2027 general elections will not be won through rhetoric or sentiment, stressing that success will depend on strong coalitions, credibility and conviction.

Shettima made the remarks on Friday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where he outlined strategic lessons from the party’s past electoral victories and charted a course towards 2027.

“Elections are not won by noise or nostalgia. They are won by coalitions, credibility and conviction,” the vice president said, adding that the next election cycle represents “a responsibility, not a gamble”.

He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s long-standing political experience as a critical asset for the ruling party, describing it as a protective shield built through years of opposition politics and electoral battles.

According to Shettima, the APC’s journey since 2015 highlights the importance of disciplined alliances. He recalled that the party won 21 states in 2015 on the promise of change, retained power with 19 states in 2019, and secured the presidency in 2023 with victories in 12 states across key regions of the country.

Addressing the party’s performance in the South East, the Vice President said the region has never voted as a bloc for any political party, dismissing claims that ideology determines its voting behaviour.

“The South East has never voted as a bloc for any party — PDP yesterday, Labour Party today. The issue has never been ideology; it has always been belonging, relevance and negotiation,” he said, adding that inconsistent political engagement weakens long-term loyalty.

Shettima urged party leaders to draw lessons from past victories and shortcomings, emphasising that confidence in leadership, rather than slogans, drives defections and political realignments.