NIGERIA: APC Dismisses Reports Of Plan To Drop Shettima Ahead Of 2027

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly dismissed reports suggesting that Vice President Kashim Shettima may be replaced as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the claims as baseless speculation.

In a statement issued on Monday, the party said it had observed a growing media frenzy surrounding alleged plans to alter the presidential ticket, noting that the speculation had escalated with the circulation of names of supposed replacements for the vice president.

The denial was contained in a press statement signed by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who stated that the reports were “purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.”

He said: “Our Party states in categorical terms that the stories are purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.”

The APC warned media organisations against amplifying unverified claims, urging them not to provide platforms for what it described as rumour-peddlers and mischievous sources seeking to create discord in the polity.

He added: “We urge media organizations to refrain from lending their platforms to rumour-peddlers and mischievous ‘news sources’ of questionable provenance whose only intention is to promote discord and confusion in the polity.”

The party further stressed that political activities remain prohibited under existing electoral regulations, adding that discussions around the 2027 elections are premature.

The statement further reads: “At this time, our Party remains focused on supporting President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in delivering the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

According to the statement, the APC is concentrating on consolidating reforms aimed at economic transformation, prosperity building, and improving living standards across the country.

The party also cautioned ministers, senior government officials, and party leaders against making comments that could fuel speculation, calling on them to focus on governance and party responsibilities.

“We call on our ministers, senior government and Party officials to avoid, wittingly or unwittingly, stoking needless speculations.”

The APC reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, describing the president as a visionary leader whose administration remains committed to deliv

ering its reform agenda.