APC Dismisses Speculations Over Shettima’s Replacement In 2027

The All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed speculations that Vice President Kashim Shettima may be replaced as running mate to President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

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The national publicity secretary of APC, Felix Morka, who gave this clarification in a statement on Monday, urged media organisations to refrain from lending their platforms to rumour-peddlers and mischievous “news sources” of questionable provenance whose only intention is to promote discord and confusion in the polity.

There are reports that the  Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara and Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen Christopher Musa(rtd) were tipped to replace Shettima at the 2027 polls.

The reports sparked reactions among party chieftains and political office holders with the latest coming from the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa who warned that APC risked undermining its chances in the 2027 general election if it drops a Northern Muslim from Tinubu’s re-election ticket.

But Morka said while some of the stories on alleged plans to replace Shettima have been mostly subtle, they recently assumed a new dimension when names of specific individuals were touted as possible replacements for Vice President Shettima.

Morka also urged ministers, senior government and APC officials to avoid, wittingly or unwittingly, stoking needless speculations and  focus on their primary duty of diligent service to the government and the party; bolster the success and achievements of President Bola Tinubu.

“Our attention has been drawn to growing media frenzy about possible replacement of Vice President Kashim Shettima as the running mate to President Bola Tinubu under the platform of our great Party ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

“While these stories have been mostly subtle, they recently assumed a new dimension when names of specific individuals were touted as possible replacement for Vice President Shettima.

“Our Party states in categorical terms that the stories are purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.

“We urge media organizations to refrain from lending their platforms to rumour-peddlers and mischievous “news sources” of questionable provenance whose only intention is to promote discord and confusion in the polity.

“Under our laws and electoral regulations, the ban on political activities remains in force. 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 that are now steadily transforming the economy, building prosperity, and uplifting the living conditions of our people.

“We call on our ministers, senior government and Party officials to avoid, wittingly or unwittingly, stoking needless speculations, and to focus on their primary duty of diligent service to government and our Party, and bolster the success and achievements of President Tinubu, our inimitable and visionary leader,” the statement reads.