…“At this time, the APC remains committed to supporting President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has debunked claims that Vice President Kashim Shettima may be dropped as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing such reports as speculative, false and completely unfounded.
The party’s response follows growing speculation that it could reconsider the Muslim–Muslim ticket that delivered victory in the 2023 presidential election.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, at the weekend cautioned the ruling party against abandoning the Muslim–Muslim ticket or sidelining Vice President Shettima, warning that such a move could have serious political consequences.
“If there is no Hausa, Fulani or Kanuri Muslim on that ticket, it creates a hurdle. That is the reality of how people think,” Musawa said.
She explained that politics in northern Nigeria is heavily influenced by identity, history and voter mobilisation, making the region particularly sensitive to changes in political representation.
According to her, core northern states such as Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara and Sokoto possess a deep-rooted political culture.
“Politics is a way of life there. Every four years, people line up to vote because that is where they feel their influence lies,” she added.
Musawa dismissed suggestions that the APC could alter its presidential ticket without repercussions, arguing that such views reflect a poor understanding of northern political realities.
“I think if we play around with changing the current structure, it becomes a problem. Those who think otherwise may not fully grasp how politics works in the north,” she said.
However, in a statement issued yesterday by the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party said it had taken note of what it described as a “growing media frenzy” over an alleged plan to replace the vice president.
The party noted that the speculation had escalated recently, with specific individuals being mentioned as potential replacements for Vice President Shettima.
APC warned media organisations against amplifying unverified claims, urging them to desist from promoting rumours aimed at sowing division.
“Our party states categorically that these stories are purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless,” the statement said.
“We urge media organisations to refrain from providing platforms to rumour-mongers and mischievous sources of doubtful credibility whose sole aim is to create confusion and discord in the polity.”
The party also stressed that political activities remain restricted under existing laws and electoral regulations, noting that it is not engaged in any succession discussions at this time.
“Under our laws and electoral regulations, the ban on political activities remains in force,” Morka said, adding that the party’s focus is firmly on governance.
“At this time, the APC remains committed to supporting President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in delivering the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and deepening the bold reforms that are steadily transforming the economy, expanding prosperity and improving the living conditions of Nigerians,” the statement added.
The party further cautioned its ministers, senior government officials and party leaders against making comments that could fuel unnecessary speculation.
“We call on our ministers, senior government and party officials to avoid, deliberately or otherwise, stoking needless speculation, and to concentrate on their core responsibility of diligent service to government and the party,” APC said.
It urged party leaders to continue supporting “the success and achievements of President Tinubu, our visionary and inimitable leader.”
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