APC Warns Against Speculation Over Vice President Shettima’s 2027 Ticket

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stern warning to its ministers, senior government functionaries, and party officials to stop fueling rumors regarding the replacement of Vice President Kashim Shettima. The party addressed the growing “political chatter” suggesting that President Bola Tinubu might seek a different running mate for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Monday, January 26, 2026, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka dismissed these reports as “purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.” The ruling party expressed concern that such narratives are designed to sow discord and create unnecessary tension within the administration.

“Our attention has been drawn to growing media frenzy about possible replacement of Vice President Kashim Shettima as the running mate to President Bola Tinubu… ahead of the 2027 General Elections,” Morka stated. He noted that the situation escalated recently as specific individuals began to be touted in media circles as potential replacements.

The APC clarified that there is no truth to these claims, describing them as the handiwork of individuals focused on promoting internal disunity. The party urged media organizations to exercise restraint and avoid providing a platform for “mischievous news sources of questionable provenance.”

Furthermore, the party reminded all members that the legal ban on political campaigning remains in effect. Morka emphasized that the administration’s current priority is the “Renewed Hope Agenda” and the delivery of critical economic reforms, rather than succession politics.

“Under our laws and electoral regulations, the ban on political activities remains in force,” the statement reminded officials. The APC warned that any actions or comments—deliberate or inadvertent—that endorse such speculation would be viewed as a distraction from the government’s primary duties.

“We call on our ministers, senior government and party officials to avoid, wittingly or unwittingly, stoking needless speculations, and to focus on their primary duty of diligent service to government and our Party,” the statement concluded. The party maintained that maintaining a united front is essential to consolidating the gains of the Tinubu administration.