The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied rumours that President Bola Tinubu plans to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima before the 2027 election.
Speaking on behalf of the party, APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, described the rumour as a distraction.
“I’m hearing that for the first time. There’s a solid working relationship between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. Shettima is a key asset—intelligent, focused, and deeply involved in this administration,” Arodiogbu told The PUNCH.
He said such rumours are common during election season and are likely attempts to create confusion.
“These rumours are likely just political noise meant to create division,” he added.
Also reacting, the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, said simply, “I am not aware, Sir.”
The rumour came shortly after 22 APC governors, party leaders, and the National Assembly leadership endorsed President Tinubu as the sole APC candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The endorsement happened during the APC National Summit at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma first proposed the endorsement, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani seconded it. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas also backed the move.
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The APC National Chairman, Dr. Umar Ganduje, confirmed that the party supports Tinubu as its only candidate for 2027.
However, not everyone welcomed the decision. Former APC presidential aspirant Charles Udeogaranya criticised the party, saying it was killing internal democracy.
In a statement from Abuja, Udeogaranya warned, “Bypassing a competitive primary in 2027 would deprive other aspirants of the opportunity to offer Nigerians a more visionary and effective leadership.”
Some people believe the rumours about Shettima being dropped are tied to political tension and possible changes within the party. There is growing pressure from the North Central region, which says it has been left out of major leadership positions.
A group called the North-Central Renaissance Movement has been meeting with political leaders and traditional rulers to push for more inclusion.
The group’s leader, Prof. Nghargbu K’tso, said, “We have what it takes to lead and not just to be led.”
Chidi Duru, APC’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, also spoke about the issue. “That’s the President’s prerogative. But as of now, there is no reason to believe a switch is being considered,” he said.
Despite the rumours, APC leaders say Tinubu and Shettima remain united and focused as the 2027 elections approach.