The ruling All Progressives Congress has dismissed growing speculation that President Bola Tinubu may sideline Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of 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.

One of the critics, former APC presidential aspirant in 2019, Charles Udeogaranya, condemned the move, accusing the party of stifling internal democracy.

In a statement released in Abuja, Udeogaranya warned that bypassing a competitive primary in 2027 would deprive other aspirants of the opportunity to offer Nigerians a more visionary and effective leadership.

His comments come as political tension rose over potential realignments and the wave of defections among opposition lawmakers and governors.

The dynamics intensified speculation that Shettima could be dropped to accommodate regional demands or broaden Tinubu?s 2027 appeal.

Fuelling the speculation was a growing discontent in the North Central, which has long complained of marginalisation under the current administration.

On April 5, a delegation under the North-Central Renaissance Movement launched consultations with political heavyweights across the country, pushing for a vice presidential slot, or even the presidency, for the region in 2027.

The group, led by Prof Nghargbu K?tso, met with former National Security Adviser, Gen Aliyu Gusau, Senator John Danboyi, and traditional leaders such as the Onah of Abaji, and Alhaji Musa Baba Yunusa.

?We have what it takes to lead and not just to be led,? Prof K?tso declared, urging the region to reject any arrangement that does not reflect its constitutional right to executive power.

Echoing a sentiment similar to that of Arodiogbu, the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, Chidi Duru, said while the final decision was with the President, there was no official indication of any change in the current ticket.

?That?s the President?s prerogative, but as of now, there is no reason to believe a switch is being considered,? Duru said. (PUNCH)

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