The All Progressives Congress (APC) has debunked growing speculation that President Bola Tinubu may sideline Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the claims, the APC’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, dismissed the rumours as unfounded and politically motivated. He insisted that there is no rift between the President and his deputy, calling the reports a mere distraction.
“I’m hearing that for the first time,” Arodiogbu told The PUNCH. “There is a solid, effective working relationship between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. Shettima is a major asset to this administration—intelligent, focused, and actively involved. These rumours are just political noise aimed at creating unnecessary tension.”
He acknowledged that such speculations often emerge ahead of election cycles, but reiterated that both Tinubu and Shettima remain united and fully supported by the party.
The President’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, offered a brief response when contacted, saying, “I am not aware, Sir.”
Rumours of a possible change to the APC presidential ticket began circulating shortly after 22 APC governors, leaders of the National Assembly, and top party officials endorsed President Tinubu as the sole candidate for the 2027 presidential race.
The endorsement was spearheaded by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, and seconded by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, during the APC National Summit held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas also backed the endorsement on behalf of the National Assembly, praising the President’s performance as the basis for their support. The APC National Chairman, Dr. Umar Ganduje, later affirmed the endorsement on behalf of the National Working Committee, declaring Tinubu the party’s sole candidate for 2027.
While the endorsement drew celebration in some quarters, it also sparked criticism from opposition voices and within APC ranks.
One notable critic, Charles Udeogaranya—a former APC presidential aspirant—condemned the move, accusing the party of suppressing internal democracy. In a statement issued from Abuja, Udeogaranya warned that bypassing an open primary would rob other aspirants of the chance to offer Nigerians an alternative vision and leadership.
His criticism comes amid heightened political manoeuvring, defections among opposition lawmakers, and increasing speculation about strategic shifts in Tinubu’s 2027 campaign approach.
Fueling further speculation was rising dissatisfaction in the North Central region, where calls for greater inclusion in national leadership have gained momentum. On April 5, the North-Central Renaissance Movement launched consultations with political heavyweights across the country, pressing for the vice presidency—or even the presidency—for their region in 2027.
Led by Prof. Nghargbu K’tso, the group met with former National Security Adviser, Gen. Aliyu Gusau, Senator John Danboyi, and traditional rulers, including the Onah of Abaji, Alhaji Musa Baba Yunusa.
“We have what it takes to lead, not just to follow,” Prof. K’tso said, urging the North Central to reject any political arrangement that excludes them from executive leadership.
Addressing the ongoing speculation, the APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Chidi Duru, echoed Arodiogbu’s remarks, emphasizing that no change has been considered regarding the current presidential ticket.
“Ultimately, that decision rests with the President. But as things stand, there is no indication that any switch is being planned,” Duru stated.
The APC leadership appears keen to maintain a united front as it navigates early political positioning ahead of the 2027 elections, while internal and external pressures continue to test party cohesion.
