The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports suggesting that Vice President Kashim Shettima may be replaced as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday by its national publicity secretary Felix Morka, the party said it had taken note of growing media speculation on the issue, which it described as unfounded and misleading.
The APC said the reports, which recently began naming specific individuals as possible replacements, were “purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless”.
Some media reports had listed former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Defence Minister Lt Gen Christopher Musa (retd), Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Matthew Kukah as northern Christians allegedly being considered to address criticism of the Tinubu-Shettima Muslim-Muslim ticket of 2023
The party urged media organisations to avoid giving space to what it called rumour peddlers and unverified sources whose aim is to create confusion and discord in the polity.
According to the APC, political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are not yet permitted under existing laws and electoral regulations.
“At this time, our Party remains focused on supporting President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in delivering the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and entrenching its bold reforms that are now steadily transforming the economy, building prosperity, and uplifting the living conditions of our people,” the statement said.
The party also cautioned ministers, senior government officials and party leaders against actions or comments that could fuel speculation.
It urged them to concentrate on their responsibilities and support the administration’s programmes and policies.
