The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports suggesting plans to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the claims as baseless speculation.
The ruling party said the reports, which it termed a “growing media frenzy,” are untrue and aimed at sowing confusion in the polity.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC urged media organisations to refrain from amplifying rumours and unverifiable claims from what it described as mischievous sources.
Morka said while the speculation had initially been subtle, it recently escalated with the circulation of names of individuals purportedly being considered as replacements for the Vice President.
“Our party states in categorical terms that the stories are purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless,” he said. “We urge media organisations to refrain from lending their platforms to rumour-peddlers and mischievous ‘news sources’ whose only intention is to promote discord and confusion in the polity.”
The APC noted that under existing laws and electoral regulations, the ban on political activities remains in force, stressing that the party is not engaged in succession calculations at this time.
According to the party, its current priority is to support President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in delivering the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and consolidating reforms aimed at economic transformation, prosperity and improved living standards for Nigerians.
Morka also cautioned ministers, senior government officials and party leaders against making statements that could fuel unnecessary speculation, urging them instead to focus on governance and party responsibilities.
“We call on our ministers, senior government and party officials to avoid, wittingly or unwittingly, stoking needless speculations, and to concentrate on diligent service to government and our party, while bolstering the achievements of President Tinubu,” the statement added.
By Friday Olokor
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