Despite swirling speculations and political murmurs surrounding the future of Vice-President Kashim Shettima in the run-up to the 2027 general elections, all credible indicators suggest that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not considering a change in his running mate.
Most recently, various media platforms and commentators have floated the idea of a potential reshuffle in the presidency’s top ranks, with some even claiming that Tinubu may opt for a Christian from the North Central region to balance the religious and regional sensitivities ahead of the next election.
These reports, however, have not been substantiated by verifiable sources.
Dr. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, was wrongly credited in viral social media posts as saying President Tinubu was weighing the option of replacing Shettima.
A fact-check into Amadi’s recent interviews on Arise TV revealed that while he offered analysis on the administration’s political positioning, he made no such claims about a change in the vice-presidency.
The presidency and top party officials have also dismissed the rumours as baseless and misguided.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a press briefing, described the reports of a rift between Tinubu and Shettima as “unfounded.”
Similarly, APC chieftain and former presidential aide, Ismaeel Ahmed, dismissed the talk of replacing Shettima as “malicious rumours with no substance.”
He insisted that the current administration remains focused on delivering its mandate and not distracted by premature 2027 calculations.
Presidential adviser and media strategist Bayo Onanuga has also reiterated that any talk about running mate changes is not only premature but also against the grain of party processes.
According to him, the selection of the vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 ticket would be subject to consultations and party conventions, none of which have commenced.
Although some friction emerged during the recent APC North-East stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe, where some delegates protested Vice-President Shettima’s omission from a key list of attendees.
However, political commentators see this more as internal wrangling than an indication of presidential discontent.
From all indications, President Tinubu remains committed to maintaining party unity and continuity in leadership as his administration approaches the halfway mark.
Until the APC officially opens up conversations on its 2027 ticket, the current speculation is more a product of opposition intrigue and political guesswork.
For now, the message from the presidency is clear: Tinubu-Shettima ticket remains intact.
