Nigeria, June 17 -- The All Progressives Congress (APC) North-central Forum has said only President Bola Tinubu can pick his running mate for the 2027 election.

The zonal wing of the ruling party stated this on Monday while defending the party's National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, concerning his conduct at Sunday's APC North-east regional meeting in Gombe.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the meeting was planned to endorse the joint ticket of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, following speculation of a plot to replace Mr Shettima in the ticket.

Thus, a violent protest ensued at the meeting after some party officials, including Mr Ganduje, left out Mr Shettima in their endorsements.

Mr Ganduje and Mustapha Salisu, ...