…Dismisses running-mate rumours
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed speculation that Vice-President Kashim Shettima may be dropped as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting the Tinubu–Shettima ticket remains intact.
The ruling party described reports of a planned replacement — including claims of a shift to a Christian running mate — as baseless and misleading, stressing that it is not engaged in any 2027 ticket discussions and remains focused on governance.
In a statement issued yesterday, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka described the reports as speculative and unfounded, urging the media and party officials to avoid promoting rumours.
Morka further clarified that the APC is not engaged in any discussions regarding the 2027 presidential ticket, noting that political activities remain restricted under existing electoral laws.
“Under current laws and regulations, the ban on political activities remains in force,” he said, adding that the party’s focus is firmly on governance rather than election permutations. At this time, our Party is focused on supporting President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda and consolidating reforms aimed at transforming the economy, promoting prosperity and improving the living standards of Nigerians”, the statement said.
The APC also cautioned its ministers, senior government officials and party leaders against making public comments capable of fueling speculation or misinterpretation, urging them to concentrate on their responsibilities and reinforce public confidence in the Tinubu administration.
The party’s response follows recent remarks by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, who warned that altering the Tinubu–Shettima ticket could weaken the APC’s electoral fortunes in northern Nigeria ahead of 2027.
Musawa, speaking during an interview on Sunday, said removing Shettima or abandoning a northern Muslim running mate would pose serious electoral challenges for the party in the core North. “If there is no Hausa, Fulani or Kanuri Muslim on that ticket, it creates a hurdle. That is the reality of how people think”, she had said.
According to her, politics in northern Nigeria is deeply influenced by identity, history and mobilisation, making the region particularly sensitive to changes in political representation. She warned that tampering with the current ticket without fully understanding northern political dynamics could prove costly, adding that the core North remains highly politically-conscious and electorally decisive.
