APC clarifies stance on replacing Shettima as Tinubu’s vice in 2027, North Central demands slot

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims of a rift between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. The party rejected speculations suggesting that Tinubu may replace Shettima as his running mate in the 2027 elections, labeling these rumors as unfounded.

This statement comes amid growing political activity from Tinubu’s supporters and key party stakeholders, who are mobilizing for his potential re-election, despite the President yet to formally announce his intention for a second term.

In an interview with Daily Trust, APC National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, criticized the rumors, calling them “baseless” and “pure speculation.” He further stated that such discussions should not be taken seriously, dismissing them as “beer-parlour talks.”

Ibrahim also clarified, “Even if, for any reason, the president were to consider replacing the vice president, he cannot do so singlehandedly. Such a decision would require extensive consultation with critical stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, political leaders from Nigeria’s North Central region have renewed their call for either the presidency or vice-presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections. Representatives from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states gathered in Abuja under the leadership of Prof. Nghargbu K’tso to make their case.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the stakeholders requested that major political parties allocate the presidential or vice-presidential tickets to the North Central region. They also suggested that if the APC grants President Tinubu the “right of first refusal” for the presidency, the vice-presidency should be zoned to North Central.

Prof. Nghargbu and other regional leaders highlighted that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, North Central has yet to produce a democratically elected president or vice president. They also pointed out that only North Central and the South East have been excluded from these top political positions over the past 26 years.

“This is about fairness. We want to be recognized not as mere political adjuncts but as full stakeholders in the ‘One North’ project,” Prof. Nghargbu stressed.

In response to these demands, Bala Ibrahim rejected the call for zoning the presidency or vice-presidency to North Central, dismissing it as “unrealistic” and “dead on arrival.” He argued that North Central should not view the presidency or vice-presidency as an entitlement, especially given its relatively lower electoral contribution compared to other northern zones like the North West.

Ibrahim further criticized past similar demands, calling them “irrational” and politically divisive. “They have made similar demands in the past, but these are often irrational and only serve to create unnecessary political tension,” he added.

He also emphasized that any conversation around zoning should only occur after President Tinubu completes his first term, stating, “The current occupant of the presidency must be given the chance to serve two terms. Conversations about zoning should only happen after that.”