The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports suggesting that Vice President Kashim Shettima may be replaced as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described the reports as “purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.”
According to Morka, while earlier reports on the matter were subtle, recent speculation had escalated to the point where specific individuals were being named as potential replacements for the Vice President.
“Our attention has been drawn to growing media frenzy about possible replacement of Vice President Kashim Shettima as the running mate to President Bola Tinubu under the platform of our great Party ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“While these stories have been mostly subtle, they recently assumed a new dimension when names of specific individuals were touted as possible replacement for Vice President Shettima.
“Our Party states in categorical terms that the stories are purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.” The statement said.
The APC urged media organisations to desist from amplifying what it described as rumours promoted by “mischievous news sources of questionable provenance,” warning that such reports were capable of creating unnecessary confusion in the polity.
Morka further noted that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections remain prohibited under existing laws and electoral regulations, stressing that the party’s current focus is on governance rather than succession politics.
“At this time, our Party remains focused on supporting President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in delivering the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and entrenching its bold reforms that are now steadily transforming the economy, building prosperity, and uplifting the living conditions of our people,” the statement added.
The party also called on its ministers, senior government officials, and party leaders to avoid actions or comments that could fuel speculation, urging them instead to concentrate on effective service delivery.
