Top aides to some northern political heavyweights have dismissed reports suggesting that Governors Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe) and Dikko Radda (Katsina), as well as Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, are being positioned to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
Naijaonpoint reports that the denials follow recent reports of intense political manoeuvring within the All Progressives Congress (APC), with speculation that President Bola Tinubu may opt for a new running mate.
Reacting to the reports, Director-General of Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, stated categorically that Governor Inuwa Yahaya was not eyeing the VP position.
“The governor is 100 per cent with Tinubu and is not pursuing the vice-presidential slot. The position of Vice President isn’t one you campaign for,” Misilli told Sunday Punch.
He added that Yahaya’s priority was to deliver his second term mandate in Gombe and help ensure President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“If some people believe he is capable of being vice president, that’s another matter entirely,” he added.
In a similar tone, Ibrahim Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, described the rumours as “mere political permutations” with no basis in reality.
“My principal has just completed two years in office and has two more to go. He has an agenda for Katsina State and is implementing it effectively,” Mohammed said.
Also reacting, a close associate of Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin debunked suggestions that the senator was being groomed to succeed Shettima on the APC ticket.
Speaking anonymously, the associate said Jibrin was focused solely on his legislative responsibilities and serving his Kano North Central constituency.
“There’s no truth in any of it. Senator Barau is focused on his job as Deputy Senate President. He’s not chasing rumours or backroom politics,” the source stated.