The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, made this known in a statement issued on January 26, reacting to recent comments by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
Musawa, during a recent interview, had warned that the APC could weaken its chances in the 2027 presidential election if it altered the Muslim-Muslim ticket that secured victory in the 2023 polls, particularly if Vice President Shettima or another northern Muslim was not retained on the ticket.
“If there is no Hausa, Fulani or Kanuri Muslim on that ticket, it creates a hurdle. That is the reality of the way people think,” Musawa had said.
Her comments fueled speculation that the ruling party might be considering a change to the current presidential ticket.
However, in his response, Morka described the reports of Shettima being dropped as “purely speculative, untrue, and utterly baseless.”
He cautioned ministers, senior government officials, and party leaders against making statements that could fuel unnecessary speculation, urging them instead to focus on effective service to the government and the party.
“Our attention has been drawn to the 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 election,” the statement read.
“While these stories have been mostly subtle, they recently assumed a new dimension when names of specific individuals were touted as possible replacements for Vice President Shettima.
“Our party states in categorical terms that the stories are purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.”
Morka further urged media organisations to avoid amplifying rumours and relying on “mischievous news sources” whose aim, he said, is to create confusion and discord in the polity.
He also stressed that under Nigeria’s laws and electoral regulations, the ban on political activities remains in force.
“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 concluded.
