APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is planning to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party denied rumours of a rift between Tinubu and Shettima, describing the speculation as baseless.

This clarification comes as some of the President’s supporters and party figures begin to mobilise for his possible re-election campaign, even though he has not yet officially declared his interest in seeking a second term.

Within opposition circles, there have also been concerns that Shettima may not have enough political strength in the North to help secure a second-term victory.

Speaking to Daily Trust, APC National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, described the rumours as “baseless” and dismissed them as “pure speculation.” He further said, “Even if, for any reason, the president were to consider replacing the vice president, he cannot do so singlehandedly. Such a decision would require extensive consultation with critical stakeholders.” He added that the conversation was nothing more than “beer-parlour talks.”

Meanwhile, political stakeholders from the North Central region have renewed their demand for either the presidency or vice presidency in 2027.

Leaders from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states met in Abuja, led by Professor Nghargbu K’tso, to advocate for the region’s inclusion at the highest level of government.

The leaders called on major political parties to zone the presidency or vice-presidency to the region. They argued that if the APC gives President Tinubu the “right of first refusal,” then the vice-presidency should be given to the North Central.

Professor Nghargbu pointed out that the North Central and South East are the only regions that have not produced a democratically elected president or vice president since the return to democracy in 1999.

He said, “This is about fairness. We want to be recognized not as mere political adjuncts but as full stakeholders in the ‘One North’ project.”

In response to these calls, Bala Ibrahim dismissed the demand as “unrealistic” and “dead on arrival.”

He argued that the North Central region has made similar demands in the past, which he described as “irrational” and politically divisive. He noted that the region’s electoral contribution does not justify such a claim, especially compared to the North West. Ibrahim said, “They have made similar demands in the past, but these are often irrational and only serve to create unnecessary political tension.”