The All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly dismissed growing speculation suggesting that Vice President Kashim Shettima may be replaced as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the reports as “false, baseless and entirely speculative.”
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the party said it was concerned by what it described as a rising wave of media conjecture, which recently escalated into the naming of specific individuals as possible alternatives to the Vice President.
“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,” the APC said.
While noting that earlier reports were subtle, the party said the speculation had now crossed the line into outright misinformation.
“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,” the statement added.
The APC stressed that such narratives have no basis in fact, insisting that there is no discussion within the party about altering the Tinubu–Shettima ticket.
“Our party states in categorical terms that the stories are purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless,” the party declared.
The ruling party also warned media organisations against amplifying unverified claims, accusing unnamed actors of deliberately attempting to sow confusion and discord in the polity.
“We urge 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,” the statement read.
Emphasising that formal political activities are not yet permitted under Nigeria’s electoral laws, the APC said its current focus remains on governance rather than electioneering.
“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,” the party said.
According to the APC, the Tinubu-led administration is already implementing bold reforms that are “steadily transforming the economy, building prosperity, and uplifting the living conditions of our people.”
The party also cautioned ministers, senior government officials and party leaders against making comments that could fuel unnecessary speculation.
“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,” the statement said.
The APC urged all stakeholders to channel their energies toward strengthening the achievements of the current administration.
“[They should] bolster the success and achievements of President Tinubu, our inimitable and visionary leader,” the party concluded.
