The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected claims that Kashim Shettima, vice-president, may be replaced as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 election.
In a statement issued on Monday, Felix Morka, national publicity secretary of the APC, said the party’s attention had been drawn to what he termed a “growing media frenzy” over an alleged plan to substitute the vice-president.
The party said it had observed widespread speculation in the media suggesting a possible review of the Muslim–Muslim ticket that won the 2023 presidential poll.
The APC spokesperson also described reports as “purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.”
He noted that the speculation had escalated beyond insinuations to the mention of specific individuals as potential replacements.
“While these stories have been mostly subtle, they recently assumed a new dimension when names of specific individuals were touted as possible replacements for Vice President Shettima.”
Morka warned media organisations against amplifying unverified claims, urging restraint in the interest of national cohesion.
“Our Party states in categorical terms that the stories are purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.”
He added that the APC would not tolerate the spread of what it described as divisive rumours.
“We urge media organisations to refrain from lending their platforms to rumour-peddlers and mischievous ‘news sources’ of questionable provenance whose only intention is to promote discord and confusion in the polity.”
The party stressed that political activities remain restricted under existing laws, noting that it is not engaged in any succession or ticket negotiations.
“Under our laws and electoral regulations, the ban on political activities remains in force.”
Morka said the APC’s priority remains governance and the implementation of the administration’s agenda.
“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 ruling party also cautioned its ministers, senior government officials and party leaders against comments that could fuel speculation.
“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 APC urged its officials to concentrate on strengthening public confidence in the administration’s performance.
The statement came hours after Hannatu Musawa, minister of arts, culture, tourism and creative economy, warned that altering the Tinubu–Shettima ticket could weaken the party’s chances in the north.
Musawa spoke during an episode of Mic On Show with Seun Okinbaloye, published on YouTube on Sunday.
She said removing Shettima from the re-election ticket, or abandoning a northern Muslim running mate, would significantly undermine the APC’s appeal in core northern states.
“If there is no Hausa, Fulani or Kanuri Muslim on that ticket, it creates a hurdle. That is the reality of the way people think.”
Musawa explained that identity, history and mobilisation strongly shape electoral behaviour in northern Nigeria.
“The core north states, like Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara and Sokoto, understand politics at a very deep level. Politics is a way of life. People wait every four years to line up and vote because that is where they feel they have influence.”
She dismissed suggestions that the ruling party could alter its presidential ticket without electoral consequences.
“I think if we toy with changing the construct of what we have now, it is a problem. People who suggest otherwise may not fully understand how politics works in the north.”