APC Warns Ministers, Party Officials Against Speculation Over Shettima’s Position, Insists Tinubu–Shettima Ticket Intact

Abuja, Nigeria– The All Progressives Congress (APC) has warbed  its ministers, senior government appointees and party officials to desist from actions or comments that could fuel what it described as “needless speculations” over the possible replacement of Vice President Kashim Shettima as the running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ruling party said such distractions are unhelpful, premature and capable of sowing confusion within the polity at a time when the focus of the administration should remain on governance and the implementation of President Tinubu’s reform agenda.

In a statement signed on Monday by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, CON, the party made it clear that the ban on political activities remains in force and that any discussions around the 2027 elections, including the choice of candidates, are speculative and contrary to existing laws and party regulations.

“Our attention has been drawn to growing media frenzy about possible replacement of Vice President Kashim Shettima as the running mate to President Bola Tinubu under the platform of our great Party ahead of the 2027 General Elections,” the statement said.

According to the APC, while earlier reports around the issue had been subtle and largely driven by rumours, the situation had recently taken a more troubling turn with the circulation of specific names allegedly being considered as potential replacements for Vice President Shettima.

“While these stories have been mostly subtle, they recently assumed a new dimension when names of specific individuals were touted as possible replacement for Vice President Shettima,” Morka stated.

The party, however, dismissed the reports in unequivocal terms, describing them as false, speculative and without any factual basis.

“Our Party states in categorical terms that the stories are purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless,” Morka added.

The APC also took aim at sections of the media, urging  media organisations to exercise restraint and professionalism by refusing to amplify unverified claims and rumours attributed to unnamed or dubious sources.

“We urge media organizations 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 said.

Reiterating its commitment to due process and the rule of law, the APC stressed that Nigeria’s electoral laws and regulations clearly stipulate timelines for political activities, and that any premature politicking is not only inappropriate but unlawful.

“Under our laws and electoral regulations, the ban on political activities remains in force,” Morka noted.

The ruling party emphasised that its current priority is to support President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in delivering on the administration’s policy agenda, rather than engaging in early succession debates.

“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,” he added.

In a direct message to key actors within government and the party, the APC warned against careless utterances or conduct that could be interpreted as endorsing or encouraging speculation about the 2027 ticket.

“We call on our ministers, senior government and Party officials to avoid, wittingly or unwittingly, stoking needless speculations,” the party said.

Instead, the APC urged its officials to concentrate on their core responsibilities in government and within the party, and to work collectively to strengthen the administration’s performance and public image.

“They should focus on their primary duty of diligent service to government and our Party, and bolster the success and achievements of President Tinubu, our inimitable and visionary leader,” Morka added.