The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed growing speculation that President Bola Tinubu may drop Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general election, describing the rumours as unfounded and politically motivated.
Reacting to the claims, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, said there was no rift between the President and his deputy, and that the duo continues to enjoy a strong, strategic partnership.
“I’m hearing that for the first time,” Arodiogbu said during an interview with News Daily. “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.”
He noted that it is not unusual for such speculations to surface as election season approaches, but emphasized that Tinubu and Shettima remain united and fully backed by the APC leadership.
The presidency, however, offered a more reserved reaction. When contacted, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, simply said: “I am not aware, Sir.”
The speculation about a possible change in the APC presidential ticket gained traction following the recent endorsement of President Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election. The endorsement was made during the APC National Summit held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
The motion was initiated by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and was seconded by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani. They praised the President’s performance and called for continuity beyond 2027.
Backing the endorsement, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, declared the support of the National Assembly for President Tinubu’s reelection bid. Similarly, APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, speaking on behalf of the National Working Committee, confirmed the party’s resolve to back Tinubu as its sole candidate for the 2027 poll.
Although the endorsements have been celebrated in some circles within the party, they have also stirred discontent among opposition parties and a few dissenting voices within the APC itself.
Nonetheless, party officials insist there is no change to the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, and that the administration remains focused on delivering its mandate.
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