NO PLANS TO DROP SHETTIMA AS TINUBU’S RUNNING MATE

NO PLANS TO DROP SHETTIMA AS TINUBU’S RUNNING MATE, SAYS APC Abuja, Nigeria Ruling party dismisses speculation about ticket shake-up ahead of 2027 elections APC says Vice President Shettima remains firmly on the ticket The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially rejected media and public speculation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party described such claims as purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless, urging Nigerians and news outlets to ignore them as rumor-driven distractions from governance and national priorities. In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, APC’s National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka clarified that the party is not engaged in any succession planning or discussions about changing the presidential ticket at this stage. Morka said the stories circulating across traditional and social media platforms are unfounded and intended to sow discord and confusion within the polity. He emphasised that political activities remain restricted under current electoral laws and that discussions about 2027 running mates are therefore premature and inappropriate.
The APC reiterated that its priority remains supporting President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in delivering the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which the party says is focused on economic reforms, boosting prosperity and improving living conditions for Nigerians. Party officials urged ministers, senior government leaders and party members to avoid fueling unnecessary speculation and instead concentrate on service delivery and governance.
Rumours about Shettima being dropped gained traction after political commentators and some social media discussions circulated names of individuals purportedly under consideration as alternatives for the 2027 ticket. Some of these speculations followed incidents like the APC stakeholders’ summit in Gombe in June 2025, where speakers endorsed Tinubu for a second term without mentioning Shettima a move that drew attention and debate. Despite these isolated episodes, the APC maintains that there is no formal process underway to review or alter the Tinubu/Shettima tic
Political analysts say the ruling party’s firm public denial highlights its effort to quell internal tensions and maintain unity ahead of the next election cycle, especially given sensitivities around regional and religious representation in Nigerian politics. Some commentators had argued that any change to the ticket could carry political risks, particularly in key northern states where Shettima’s presence is seen as politically significant. Several APC constituencies including youth groups and regional forums have also previously voiced support for retaining Shettima on the ticket, rejecting any moves to drop him as misguided and potentially harmful to party cohesion.
Political Stability: The APC’s categorical denial aims to calm speculation and prevent intra-party discord that could weaken its electoral prospect Succession Politics: As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 elections, discussions about running mates and ticket composition are expected, but official party rules and the electoral timetable constrain early manoeuvring. Public Confidence: By addressing rumours directly, the APC seeks to reassure supporters and voters that its leadership remains united and focused on governance rather than premature electioneering.
The ruling APC has dismissed all reports suggesting that Vice President Kashim Shettima will be dropped as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 general elections, calling such claims baseless and speculative. The party insists it remains focused on its governance agenda and will support the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, though formal decisions about the 2027 ticket are not yet in play under current electoral laws.