APC Quashes 2027 Ticket Rumours, Reaffirms Tinubu–Shettima Alliance

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved to quell growing political speculation, firmly dismissing claims that Vice President Kashim Shettima may be replaced as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to the reports on Tuesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described the claims as unfounded and deliberately misleading, insisting that no such discussions are taking place within the ruling party. According to him, the stories gained attention despite lacking any official source, largely fuelled by social media commentary and political conjecture.

“These reports are speculative, untrue and utterly baseless,” Morka said, warning that rumour-mongering could distract from governance and party cohesion. He stressed that the APC is not engaged in any succession talks, noting that the existing ban on political activities remains in force under the law.

The party maintained that its current priority is governance, not electioneering. Morka said the APC remains committed to supporting President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in delivering the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is focused on economic reforms, national development and improved living standards for Nigerians.

In a similar vein, a senior APC chieftain, Senator Yerima Shettima, criticised individuals pushing the narrative of a possible change to the presidential ticket, describing them as “short-sighted” and politically misguided. He argued that altering the Tinubu–Shettima ticket would weaken the party’s chances in 2027.

“Those advocating a change are the same people who doubted this ticket in 2023,” Yerima said. “Tampering with it now would be detrimental to the APC’s future and could expose the party to unnecessary risks.”

Yerima further dismissed arguments linking the rumours to regional balancing, noting that the North-Central zone is already well represented in key federal appointments. He warned that internal distractions could undermine party unity if not addressed early.

The APC also urged its ministers, senior officials and party leaders to exercise restraint in their public statements, cautioning against comments that could inadvertently fuel speculation. Party leaders were advised to remain focused on governance and consolidating the achievements of the Tinubu-led administration.

The clarification comes amid renewed debate triggered by comments from the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, who recently expressed concern over what he described as the Vice President’s exclusion from some party activities. Lawan had pointed to the absence of Shettima’s image on banners displayed during a North-East governors and stakeholders’ meeting in Maiduguri.

Despite the concerns, the APC insists there is no rift within its leadership and says the Tinubu–Shettima partnership remains intact as the party continues to focus on governing rather than politicking.