”Tinubu-Shettima Ticket In 2027 Poll Intact” – APC

The All Progressives Congress, which is in power, has denied mounting rumours that President Bola Tinubu might bench Vice President Kashim Shettima in the run-up to the 2027 presidential election.

The party, speaking through its National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, downplayed the speculation, calling it a distraction.

“I’m hearing that for the first time. There’s a solid working relationship between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.

“Shettima is a key asset—intelligent, focused, and deeply involved in this administration. These rumours are likely just political noise meant to create division,” Arodiogbu told The PUNCH.

He added that it was not unusual for such rumours to surface in the build-up to an election cycle, but stressed that the President and his deputy remained aligned and fully endorsed by the party.

Also, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, offered a curt response when contacted, saying, “I am not aware, Sir.”

The rumours of the President dropping Shettima for 2027 emerged shortly after 22 APC governors, National Assembly leadership and party leaders endorsed Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate for the next election.

The endorsement was first moved by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and seconded by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, during the APC National Summit held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

Shortly after, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on behalf of the National Assembly, also endorsed the President for reelection, based on his performance.

The National Chairman of the APC, Dr Umar Ganduje, on behalf of the National Working Committee, affirmed the decision that Tinubu is the sole candidate of the party for the 2027 presidential election.

While the endorsement was met with jubilation in some quarters, it also triggered criticism from opposition parties and within APC.