APC Dismisses Tinubu-Shettima Rift Amid North Central's Call For 2027 VP Slot

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected reports of a supposed rift between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. The party has dismissed the rumors suggesting that Tinubu might replace Shettima with a new running mate for the 2027 elections, calling the claims baseless.

Although Tinubu has not yet officially declared his candidacy for a second term, several loyalists and key figures within the APC have begun organizing support for his re-election. In spite of this, the speculations regarding a possible fallout between Tinubu and Shettima were quickly debunked by party officials as unfounded.

Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, the APC’s National Director of Publicity, emphasized that such rumors were nothing more than “beer-parlour discussions” with no credible evidence. “These are purely speculative claims with no foundation. They should not be taken seriously,” Ibrahim stated, further clarifying that any decisions regarding a potential change in running mates would involve comprehensive consultations with major stakeholders.

In a related development, political figures from Nigeria’s North Central region have reignited calls for the region to be considered for the presidency or vice presidency in the 2027 elections. Leaders from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states, spearheaded by Prof. Nghargbu K’tso, urged the major political parties to consider zoning their presidential or vice-presidential tickets to the North Central region.

In a statement issued following their meeting in Abuja, the stakeholders argued that if the APC grants Tinubu the “right of first refusal” for the presidential nomination, then the vice-presidential slot should be allotted to the North Central.

Prof. K’tso pointed out that the region has remained politically marginalized since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, as it has never produced a democratically elected president or vice president. He noted that the South East, while also excluded, had at least produced Dr. Alex Ekwueme as vice president from 1979 to 1983.

“This is about fairness. We seek recognition as equal stakeholders, not just political appendages,” K’tso remarked.

Despite these calls, the APC has brushed aside the North Central’s demand, terming it “unrealistic” and “premature.” In a response to the press, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim described the demand as “dead on arrival,” arguing that the North Central’s electoral influence is smaller compared to regions like the North West. He further stressed that the region’s calls for the presidency or vice presidency could only stir political tensions.

“The North Central must not view these positions as an entitlement, given their relatively smaller contribution to the national vote compared to other zones,” Ibrahim stated, adding that discussions on zoning should only occur after President Tinubu’s first term.

Source – APC Statement on Tinubu-Shettima Rift
Related: Understanding Zoning in Nigerian Politics