The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied reports claiming that it plans to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described the reports as false, speculative, and without any basis.
He said the rumours followed recent media reports and political discussions that mentioned the names of some senior party members as possible replacements for Shettima. According to Morka, none of these reports came from official APC sources.
The APC warned media organisations and the public not to give attention to rumours spread by people seeking to cause confusion and division within the party and the country.
The party also noted that political campaigns and discussions about the 2027 elections are not allowed at this time, in line with existing laws. It stressed that it is not holding any talks about the 2027 presidential ticket.
According to the APC, its current focus is on supporting President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda, which it says is improving the economy and the living conditions of Nigerians.
The party advised its ministers, government officials, and leaders to avoid comments or actions that could encourage unnecessary speculation.
Meanwhile, a senior APC chieftain, Yerima, also criticised those spreading the rumours. He described them as short-sighted and politically naive.
Yerima said changing the Tinubu–Shettima ticket would harm the party’s chances in the 2027 elections. He added that many of those calling for a change are the same people who opposed the ticket during the 2023 elections.
He warned that altering the ticket could lead to serious electoral defeat for the APC. Yerima also said the North-Central region is already well represented in government through key federal appointments.
His comments came after concerns raised by the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, who noted that Shettima’s image was missing from banners at a recent APC meeting in Maiduguri.
