The All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly denied rumours that Vice President Kashim Shettima could be dropped as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, describing such reports as “purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.”
In a statement on Monday, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, addressed growing media speculation about a possible reshuffle of the party’s presidential ticket.
Morka said the party’s attention had been drawn to a “media frenzy” in which names of potential replacements for Shettima had been circulated.
However, he stressed that these reports were not grounded in fact and were aimed at creating confusion within the political landscape.
“Our party states in categorical terms that the stories are purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless,” the party declared.
He urged media organisations to exercise restraint and avoid giving platforms to what it described as rumour-peddlers and mischievous news sources.
The APC noted that under Nigeria’s electoral laws, political activities remain restricted until the appropriate time, making discussions about the 2027 ticket premature.
Morka reiterated that APC’s current focus is on governance rather than succession planning.
“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,” the statement added.
In addition to admonishing the media, the APC also warned its ministers, senior government officials and party leaders against fuelling unnecessary speculation.
Morka advised that public servants should instead concentrate on their duties and support the administration’s work.
The clarification follows increasing public discussion and media commentary about the composition of the APC ticket, with some voices urging for more balanced representation on religious and regional lines.
However, the party has maintained that the rumours lack factual backing and could potentially undermine unity within the party as Nigeria heads towards its next national elections.
