The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied swirling rumours that President Bola Tinubu may replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections, describing the speculation as a mere political distraction.
Amid rising whispers in the political corridors about a possible shake-up in the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, the ruling APC has stepped forward to quash the claims.
Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, APC’s National Vice Chairman for the South-East, dismissed the rumour outright.
“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. These rumours are likely just political noise meant to create division.”
Arodiogbu said such narratives are not unexpected as elections draw nearer, but emphasized that both Tinubu and Shettima remain united and are fully backed by the party.
When asked for comment, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, offered a brief response:
“I am not aware, Sir.”
The speculation caught fire after 22 APC governors, the leadership of the National Assembly, and other party stalwarts endorsed President Tinubu as the sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The endorsement was first initiated by the Progressive Governors’ Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and seconded by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani during the APC National Summit held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
This was further reinforced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who both echoed the endorsement on behalf of the National Assembly, citing Tinubu’s performance in office.
The APC National Chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje, also threw the weight of the National Working Committee behind Tinubu, confirming the party’s decision.
But not everyone is clapping.
One of the loudest critics, former APC presidential aspirant Charles Udeogaranya, slammed the endorsement, warning that imposing Tinubu as the sole candidate is a betrayal of internal democracy.
In a statement released in Abuja, Udeogaranya said:
“This decision robs other aspirants of the chance to offer Nigerians alternative leadership. It’s undemocratic.”
Behind the scenes, political tension is rising. Speculations are being fed by growing unrest in the North-Central region, which has long complained about being sidelined in Tinubu’s administration. There are whispers that Shettima could be sacrificed to appease the zone and boost Tinubu’s 2027 appeal.
On April 5, a pressure group known as the North-Central Renaissance Movement launched a national consultation campaign, demanding either the vice-presidential slot or the presidency for their region in 2027. The group, led by Professor Nghargbu K’tso, visited top political influencers including former NSA Gen. Aliyu Gusau and traditional rulers.
“We have what it takes to lead, not just be led,” K’tso declared. “We must not accept any arrangement that excludes our right to executive power.”
Despite the buzz, APC officials are insisting that nothing is changing—at least for now.
Chidi Duru, the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the party, added:
“It’s the President’s prerogative, but for now, there’s no reason to believe any switch is on the table.”
As the road to 2027 heats up, the APC finds itself juggling both firm endorsements and rising regional discontent. For now, the party insists that Tinubu and Shettima remain a team. But in the shadows of political ambition and regional agitation, only time will tell if the ticket truly stays intact—or if internal pressure forces a major shake-up.
Stay tuned. The political storm is just beginning.
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