The All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly rejected claims that Vice President Kashim Shettima could be dropped as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed the reports during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, describing them as unfounded and deliberately misleading.
Responding to questions about agitation within and outside the party for a “balanced” presidential ticket in 2027, Morka said the APC is currently focused on governance and national development, not early election calculations.
“A few hours ago today, I put out a statement to dismiss some of the rumours swirling around this question regarding the possible replacement of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima. That story exists only in the realm of rumours and speculation. There is no fact to it.
“By the Electoral Act and the laws of our land, electoral activities are still prohibited. We are not even permitted to seriously engage this question the way the media and public would like.
“Speculating about names to replace the sitting Vice President is wrong. It is simply mischievous, intended to sow discord and confusion in the polity. That is why I had to come out today to dismiss that suggestion and refocus attention on the administration’s efforts to rebuild the economy and drive progress,” he said.
Addressing concerns around religious and regional balance, Morka stressed that the ruling party remains inclusive and capable of managing such discussions when the appropriate time comes.
“Our party is very inclusive. This question is not relevant at this time. When the time comes, our party has all the sensibilities and wherewithal to carry that conversation in the best interest of the country. I am not willing to speculate beyond what is relevant.”
APC leaders have consistently maintained that reports about replacing Shettima are “purely speculative, untrue, and utterly baseless.”
Nevertheless, political discussions in various quarters have continued to fuel the narrative, with several prominent figures being mentioned in unofficial conversations.
The debate around Shettima’s position became more pronounced in mid-2025, following an APC North-East stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe that turned disorderly after speakers endorsed President Tinubu for a second term without including the Vice President.
Later that year, Shettima was reportedly absent from party banners displayed at a North-East zonal hearing in Maiduguri, further intensifying public speculation about his future on the party’s presidential ticket.
What you should know
The APC has categorically denied any intention to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that such reports are rumours with no legal or political basis.
Party leaders argue that electoral activities are still prohibited by law and that discussions about future tickets are premature.
While past political events in the North-East fueled speculation, the APC says its current priority remains governance, economic recovery, and national stability.
