The All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved swiftly to quell a growing political firestorm by officially debunking reports that Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to be dropped as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 general elections. The ruling party’s intervention comes amidst a fevered rumor mill suggesting that the President’s inner circle is actively shopping for a replacement to balance the religious ticket and placate aggrieved voting blocs.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described the reports as purely speculative, untrue, and utterly baseless. He accused unnamed “mischief makers” of attempting to sow discord within the presidency by manufacturing a rift between Tinubu and his Vice President. Morka insisted that the administration remains laser-focused on its “Renewed Hope” agenda and that there are no discussions whatsoever regarding the 2027 presidential ticket at this stage.
Despite the official denial, political insiders says that the speculation is not entirely without merit. Sources within the party hint at an ongoing strategic review by some power brokers who argue that the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket, which secured victory in 2023, may be a liability in 2027 given the shifting political dynamics and the need to reconsolidate support in the Christian-dominated Middle Belt and South-South regions. These calculations have fueled whispers that a high-profile Northern Christian politician could be drafted to replace Shettima.
The rumor mill went into overdrive over the weekend when former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, was touted as a potential replacement. However, Dogara has publicly distanced himself from the conversation. Speaking on a televised program on Sunday, the former Speaker pleaded to be left out of the permutations, stating that while the conversation about religious balance is legitimate, it should not be reduced to personal ambition or political intrigue. He emphasized that the focus should be on an inclusive government that unites Nigerians rather than just swapping individuals for electoral convenience.
The tension is particularly palpable in the North-East, Shettima’s geopolitical zone. A recent stakeholders’ meeting in the region reportedly descended into chaos, with conflicting factions clashing over the Vice President’s level of influence and endorsement. Analysts observe that while the presidency is publicly projecting unity, the underground maneuvering suggests a high-stakes battle for relevance is already underway, well ahead of the election cycle.
For now, the APC maintains that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket is solid and indivisible. Yet, as the 2027 race draws closer, the pressure to either double down on the current arrangement or pivot to a more religiously diverse ticket is expected to remain a central theme of Nigeria’s political discourse.
