APC Denies Rift Between Tinubu and Shettima Amid 2027 Election Speculations

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied claims suggesting a fallout between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, amid rumors of replacing Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 elections. APC’s National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, described the speculation as baseless and mere “beer-parlour talk.” He clarified that any decision regarding a change of vice-presidential candidate would require broad consultations with party stakeholders.

In the meantime, political stakeholders from the North Central region have renewed their demand for the presidency or vice-presidency slot in the 2027 elections. Meeting in Abuja, representatives from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states argued that North Central deserves political recognition, having not produced a democratically elected president or vice president since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

However, APC has rejected these demands, with Bala Ibrahim calling the zoning proposition “unrealistic” and arguing that North Central should not see the presidency or vice-presidency as a right, especially given its relatively lower electoral contribution compared to other northern zones like the North West. He also stated that zoning discussions should only occur after Tinubu has completed his first term.