The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed
speculation that Vice President Kashim Shettima may be replaced ahead of
the 2027 general elections, describing the claims as baseless and mischievous.
Addressing the issue on Channels Television’s Politics
Today on Monday, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka
said the ruling party is focused on governance, not premature election
politics.
Morka said he had earlier issued a statement debunking
the rumours.
“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. That story
exists only in the realm of rumours and speculation. There is no fact to it,”
he said.
He stressed that electoral activities remain
prohibited under Nigerian law.
“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,” Morka
noted.
According to him, speculating about replacing a
sitting vice president is not only inappropriate but intended to create
political tension.
“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,” he added.
Inclusivity and 2027 Ticket
Responding to questions about calls for a more
religiously balanced ticket in 2027, Morka said the issue is premature, while
reassuring Nigerians of the party’s inclusivity.
“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.
I am not willing to speculate beyond what is relevant,” he said.
The APC leadership has consistently described reports
of plans to replace Shettima as “purely speculative, untrue, and utterly
baseless.”
Background to the Speculation
Despite repeated denials by party leaders, speculation
surrounding Shettima’s position has persisted since mid-2025, with
several high-profile names allegedly being floated by political blocs.
Tensions became more visible in June 2025 when
an APC North-East stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe descended into chaos
after speakers endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term
but notably omitted Shettima from the endorsement.
Later in the year, Shettima’s image was reportedly
absent from official APC banners displayed at a North-East zonal hearing in Maiduguri,
further fuelling rumours of internal discontent.
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