APC dismisses speculation over Shettima replacement
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly dismissed growing speculation suggesting that Vice President Kashim Shettima may be replaced as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the rumours as baseless, distracting, and politically motivated.
In recent days, social media platforms and sections of the political class have been awash with claims that internal power calculations within the ruling party could lead to a change in the vice-presidential slot before the next election cycle. The speculation, which gained traction online and in some political circles, has fuelled debates about zoning, regional balance, and internal party succession plans.
However, the APC leadership has moved swiftly to shut down the narrative, insisting that there is no discussion, plan, or agenda within the party to replace Vice President Shettima as President Tinubu’s running mate.
APC Speaks: ‘No Vacancy, No Conversation’
Senior officials of the ruling party told reporters that the rumours were the handiwork of “political mischief-makers” attempting to sow discord within the administration and the APC’s national structure,APC dismisses speculation over Shettima replacement.
According to party insiders, President Tinubu remains fully aligned with Vice President Shettima, whom he selected after careful consideration of competence, loyalty, and national balance during the 2023 elections.
“There is absolutely no truth to the claims that the APC is considering replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima in 2027,” a senior party official said. “This conversation does not exist within the APC. It is not on the table, and it has not been discussed at any formal or informal level.”
The official stressed that both the President and Vice President are currently focused on governance, economic reforms, and security challenges, not election permutations.
Why the Speculation Emerged
Political analysts say the rumours may be linked to Nigeria’s long-standing tradition of intense pre-election manoeuvring, where early speculation often surfaces years before formal campaigns begin.
Some observers point to ongoing debates around zoning, regional representation, and internal party ambitions as factors driving the speculation. Others argue that the Vice President’s relatively low public profile compared to past occupants of the office has made him an easy target for political conjecture.
Nevertheless, APC leaders insist that such interpretations are misplaced and fail to reflect the realities within the Presidency.
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Tinubu–Shettima Relationship Remains Intact
Sources close to the Presidency describe the working relationship between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima as stable and professional, with both men maintaining clearly defined roles within the administration.
Vice President Shettima, a former governor of Borno State, has been actively involved in key policy areas, including economic planning, food security initiatives, and coordination of intergovernmental relations. His supporters within the APC argue that his experience in managing complex security and humanitarian crises in the North-East makes him a strategic asset to the administration.
“There is no crisis, no cold war, and no rift between the President and Vice President,” another APC chieftain said. “Those pushing this narrative are projecting their personal ambitions onto the party.”
Focus on Governance, Not 2027 Politics
The APC’s response also reflects a broader effort by the ruling party to downplay early electioneering and refocus attention on governance. Party leaders caution that premature political calculations could distract from ongoing reforms, including economic restructuring, infrastructure development, and security operations,APC dismisses speculation over Shettima replacement.
Nigeria is still grappling with inflationary pressures, foreign exchange volatility, and security challenges across multiple regions. APC officials argue that the administration’s priority remains stabilising the economy and delivering tangible outcomes to Nigerians,APC dismisses speculation over Shettima replacement.
“2027 is still some distance away,” the party source said. “Our concern right now is delivering on the mandate Nigerians gave President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.”
Opposition Reactions and Political Undertones
Opposition figures have reacted differently to the APC’s dismissal of the rumours. Some describe the party’s response as expected damage control, while others see the speculation as an early sign of internal contestations that could intensify closer to the election season,APC dismisses speculation over Shettima replacement.
However, political commentators note that speculation about vice-presidential replacements is not unusual in Nigerian politics and often fades once party leadership clarifies its position.
What This Means for 2027
For now, the APC’s stance sends a clear message: there is no vacancy in the vice-presidential slot. Analysts believe the party’s firm response is aimed at projecting unity and stability, especially as the Tinubu administration navigates complex reforms.
Whether the political landscape remains unchanged as 2027 approaches will depend on multiple factors, including governance performance, party cohesion, and broader national dynamics. But as of now, the ruling party insists that Vice President Kashim Shettima remains President Tinubu’s trusted partner,APC dismisses speculation over Shettima replacement.
As one APC insider put it: “Speculation thrives in a vacuum. We are filling that vacuum with facts.”
