APC slams ‘baseless’ plot to replace Shettima as Tinubu’s 2027 running mate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly rejected reports suggesting that Vice-President Kashim Shettima may be replaced as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general election, describing the claims as “speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.”

In a statement released on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the rumours had no foundation and were being deliberately circulated to stir confusion and discord within the polity.

Morka noted that the speculation had recently intensified with the circulation of names of individuals allegedly being considered as possible replacements for Shettima, stressing that such reports were entirely false.
“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 exercise restraint and avoid amplifying rumours from what it described as “mischievous news sources of questionable provenance.” It also reminded the public that the ban on political activities remains in force under existing laws and electoral regulations.

According to Morka, the party remains focused on supporting President Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima in delivering the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.

“At this time, our party remains focused on supporting President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in delivering the administration’s renewed hope agenda,” he stated.

The ruling party added that the administration’s ongoing reforms are steadily transforming the economy, boosting prosperity, and improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

The APC further cautioned ministers, senior government officials, and party leaders against fuelling unnecessary speculation, urging them instead to concentrate on diligent service and strengthening the success of the Tinubu administration.

The clarification comes amid lingering reactions to the APC stakeholders’ summit held in Gombe in June 2025, which descended into controversy after some speakers endorsed Tinubu for a second term without mentioning Shettima. Reacting days later, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the incident as a “non-issue.”