The All Progressives Congress (APC) is putting to rest talks that President Bola Tinubu might sideline Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 election. According to the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, these rumors are just distractions.
Arodiogbu said there’s a strong working relationship between Tinubu and Shettima. He described Shettima as a smart, focused, and important part of the administration. The chatter, he believes, is political noise meant to stir trouble as the election season heats up.
The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, kept it short, saying he wasn’t aware of any such plans.
The rumors popped up soon after 22 APC governors, top National Assembly leaders, and party officials officially backed Tinubu as their sole presidential candidate for 2027. This endorsement came from the Progressive Governors’ Forum Chairman, Hope Uzodimma, and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, at the APC National Summit in Abuja. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the House Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, also endorsed Tinubu’s re-election, praising his performance.
APC National Chairman, Dr. Umar Ganduje, confirmed that Tinubu is the party’s only candidate for the next election.
While many celebrated the endorsement, some critics, including former 2019 APC presidential hopeful Charles Udeogaranya, saw it as a blow to internal democracy. Udeogaranya warned that skipping a competitive primary would deny other aspirants a chance to present fresh ideas and leadership to Nigerians.
Political tension has been rising, especially with defections and shifting alliances among opposition lawmakers and governors. This uncertainty has fueled speculation that Shettima might be dropped to satisfy regional demands or widen Tinubu’s appeal for 2027.
The North Central region, feeling sidelined in the current administration, has pushed back. On April 5, a group called the North-Central Renaissance Movement met with key political figures and traditional rulers, demanding either the vice presidency or the presidency in 2027. They insisted the region has what it takes to lead, not just follow.
Echoing Arodiogbu’s stance, APC Deputy National Organising Secretary Chidi Duru said the final call rests with the President. But for now, there’s no sign of a change in the current ticket.
In short, the APC wants everyone to know that Tinubu and Shettima remain a team for now, and the rumors about Shettima being dropped are just election noise.
Comments
Post a Comment