The All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved to quash growing speculation that Vice President Kashim Shettima might be replaced as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 elections, describing the reports as “mischievous” and “utterly baseless.” APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, addressed the rumours during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, emphasizing that the party remains focused on governance and policy delivery rather than premature election speculation. Morka’s statement sought to refocus public attention on the administration’s ongoing efforts to revive the economy and implement developmental programs, stressing that circulating unverified claims about Shettima’s political future could foster discord within the party and confusion among Nigerians.
Morka dismissed calls, both within and outside the APC, for a “balanced ticket” in 2027 that might see Shettima replaced, describing such discussions as inappropriate at this stage. He noted that, by the provisions of the Electoral Act and other electoral laws, electioneering activities, including any serious consideration of the 2027 ticket, remain prohibited at this time. “Speculating about names to replace the sitting Vice President is wrong. It is simply mischievous, intended to sow discord and confusion in the polity. That is why I had to come out today to dismiss that suggestion and refocus attention on the administration’s efforts to rebuild the economy and drive progress,” Morka said. He emphasized that premature discussions over running mates could undermine public confidence in the political process and weaken internal party cohesion.
Addressing questions related to religious inclusivity on the 2027 ticket, Morka reassured Nigerians that the APC remains committed to accommodating the interests of all faiths and regions in the party’s decision-making process. He stressed that considerations regarding zonal balance, religious representation, and national inclusivity are central to the APC’s internal processes, but reiterated that these matters are not currently up for public debate. “Our party is very inclusive. This question is not relevant at this time. When the time comes, our party has all the sensibilities and wherewithal to carry that conversation in the best interest of the country. I am not willing to speculate beyond what is relevant,” Morka said.
The speculation regarding Shettima’s potential removal began gaining traction in mid-2025, following several political developments in the North-East that were interpreted by analysts as signaling internal dissatisfaction among some party stakeholders. In June 2025, a North-East APC stakeholders’ meeting held in Gombe reportedly endorsed President Tinubu for a second term but conspicuously omitted Shettima from its endorsement. This omission generated widespread media commentary and fuelled rumours that the Vice President’s role on the 2027 ticket could be in jeopardy. Later in 2025, Shettima’s image was reportedly excluded from official APC banners featuring party leaders at a North-East zonal hearing in Maiduguri, further stoking speculation about his future within the party’s presidential project. Despite these incidents, party leadership has consistently described reports of Shettima’s removal as purely speculative, untrue, and without any factual basis.
Political blocs and commentators have contributed to the swirling debate by circulating alternative names for the prospective 2027 ticket, though such speculation has been officially dismissed by the APC leadership. Analysts note that public discussion of possible replacements, while politically interesting, risks creating divisions within the party and undermining efforts to maintain cohesion across the country’s diverse regions. Party members sympathetic to Shettima’s continuity have voiced support for retaining him as Tinubu’s running mate, arguing that consistency would project stability and continuity to both party supporters and the electorate, while critics of his retention cite calls for a “balanced ticket” that considers ethnic and religious representation across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
The debate around Shettima’s potential replacement must also be understood in the context of the APC’s historical approach to selecting running mates. The party has traditionally balanced considerations of regional representation, political loyalty, electoral viability, and inter-party alliances when determining vice-presidential candidates. Past elections have seen intense internal negotiations over zonal balance, particularly with respect to ensuring North-South representation and accommodating minority voices within the party’s power structure. Analysts suggest that maintaining a North-East representative on the ticket is strategically important for the APC’s electoral calculus, given the region’s political weight and history of political mobilization.
Observers note that speculation about Shettima’s status has implications beyond party politics. Premature rumours could influence public perception of Tinubu’s administration, potentially undermining confidence in the government’s unity and the APC’s electoral strategy. Political commentators have cautioned that such debates, if left unchecked, could create divisions among supporters, distract from governance priorities, and embolden opposition narratives during a sensitive period in Nigeria’s democratic cycle.
The APC has repeatedly reiterated that all reports suggesting a change in the Vice President’s position are unsubstantiated. Morka emphasized that the party will engage in formal discussions regarding the 2027 ticket at the appropriate time, in line with party regulations and electoral laws. “A few hours ago today, I put out a statement to dismiss some of the rumours swirling around this question regarding the possible replacement of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima. That story exists only in the realm of rumours and speculation. There is no fact to it,” he said, underscoring the need for media and public restraint in circulating unverified information.
The ongoing discourse over Shettima’s future also reflects broader debates in Nigerian politics regarding governance, inclusivity, and succession planning. While some voices within the APC and civil society advocate for a “balanced ticket” that reflects Nigeria’s regional, ethnic, and religious diversity, party leadership maintains that the timing and framework for such decisions must respect internal party processes, legal provisions, and national stability. Morka reiterated that such deliberations would be undertaken discreetly and with sensitivity to national interest.
Analysts argue that the North-East, as Shettima’s geopolitical base, has historically been a critical factor in electoral outcomes, and maintaining representation from the region could be pivotal for the APC’s 2027 strategy. Political observers also highlight that replacing Shettima prematurely could risk alienating key constituencies and provoke internal friction, potentially undermining the party’s cohesion. Conversely, proponents of considering alternative candidates argue that broadening the ticket’s appeal could enhance inclusivity and political optics for the party.
Commentators note that APC’s consistent dismissal of speculation aligns with its broader messaging strategy: to shift public focus from political infighting to governance priorities. By emphasizing policy delivery, economic recovery, and infrastructure development, the party seeks to demonstrate that election-related conjecture is secondary to national progress. Morka highlighted this approach, reminding the public that “electoral activities are still prohibited” and that premature focus on running mates is legally and politically inappropriate.
Historical tensions surrounding running mate selections in Nigeria provide context for the sensitivity of such speculation. Previous administrations have witnessed internal party disputes, regional grievances, and media speculation over vice-presidential selections, which at times have affected party unity and public perception. Political analysts suggest that managing these narratives carefully is essential to maintaining electoral credibility and preventing unnecessary political polarization.
The APC leadership’s firm stance on dismissing Shettima replacement rumours is complemented by assurances of legal and procedural compliance. The party has emphasized adherence to the Electoral Act and internal mechanisms for candidate selection, signalling that final decisions on the 2027 ticket will be made at the appropriate time, consistent with statutory timelines and party protocols.