The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed speculation that President Bola Tinubu may drop Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on the matter, APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, called the rumours a distraction, insisting there is a strong working relationship between Tinubu and Shettima. “Shettima is a key asset—intelligent, focused, and deeply involved in the administration,” he said.
He added that such rumours often surface during election cycles and should not be taken seriously. Echoing this, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, said, “I am not aware, Sir.”
The speculation emerged after 22 APC governors, National Assembly leaders, and party officials endorsed Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate for 2027. The motion was initiated by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and seconded by Kaduna Governor Uba Sani during the APC National Summit in Abuja.
According to The PUNCH, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas also backed Tinubu, citing his performance. APC National Chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje, confirmed the party’s support for Tinubu’s sole candidacy.
While the endorsement was celebrated in some quarters, it drew criticism. Former APC presidential aspirant Charles Udeogaranya accused the party of stifling internal democracy and warned against excluding other aspirants in 2027.
Speculation about Shettima’s future intensified amid reports of discontent in the North Central region over political marginalisation. The North-Central Renaissance Movement recently began consultations to push for a presidential or vice-presidential slot in 2027.
APC Deputy National Organising Secretary Chidi Duru stated that while the final decision rests with the President, there’s no current indication of a change in the ticket.