The All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly dismissed reports suggesting that Vice President Kashim Shettima may be replaced as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing such claims as unfounded and mischievous.
Addressing the speculation on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the ruling party is currently focused on governance and economic recovery, not election permutations.
“A few hours ago today, I put out a statement to dismiss some of the rumours swirling around this question regarding the possible replacement of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima,” Morka said. “That story exists only in the realm of rumours and speculation. There is no fact to it.”
Morka stressed that discussions around the 2027 elections are premature and contrary to existing laws.
“By the Electoral Act and the laws of our land, electoral activities are still prohibited. We are not even permitted to seriously engage this question the way the media and public would like,” he added.
He described the speculation about replacing the sitting vice president as “wrong and mischievous,” accusing those behind it of attempting to sow confusion and discord within the polity.
“Speculating about names to replace the sitting Vice President is wrong. It is simply mischievous, intended to sow discord and confusion in the polity. That is why I had to come out today to dismiss that suggestion and refocus attention on the administration’s efforts to rebuild the economy and drive progress,” Morka said.
Responding to questions on religious balance and inclusivity, the APC spokesperson reassured Nigerians that the party remains committed to accommodating the country’s diversity.
“Our party is very inclusive. This question is not relevant at this time. When the time comes, our party has all the sensibilities and wherewithal to carry that conversation in the best interest of the country,” he said.
The APC leadership has consistently described reports of Shettima’s possible replacement as “purely speculative, untrue, and utterly baseless.”
However, speculation has continued in some political circles, with several high-profile names being mentioned. Talks about Shettima’s potential removal gained momentum in mid-2025, particularly after an APC North-East stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe descended into chaos when speakers endorsed President Tinubu for a second term but conspicuously excluded the vice president.
Later in 2025, reports also emerged that Shettima’s image was omitted from official APC banners displayed at a North-East zonal hearing in Maiduguri, further fuelling rumours of internal party rifts.
Despite these developments, the APC maintains that there is no plan whatsoever to alter the Tinubu–Shettima ticket and insists that its priority remains governance and national development.
