By BONIFACE AKARAH

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports suggesting that Vice President Kashim Shettima may be replaced as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the claims as “speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.”

In a statement issued Monday afternoon and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, CON, the APC said it had taken note of what it described as a growing media frenzy surrounding the 2027 presidential ticket, warning that such narratives were being driven by rumour-peddlers bent on sowing discord in the polity.

“Our attention has been drawn to growing media frenzy about possible replacement of Vice President Kashim Shettima as the running mate to President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 General Elections,” the party stated.

It noted that while earlier reports had been subtle, the speculation had recently “assumed a new dimension” with the circulation of specific names touted as possible replacements for the Vice President.

Reacting to the development, the APC stated categorically that “the stories are purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless,” urging media organisations to exercise restraint and professionalism.

“We urge media organisations to refrain from lending their platforms to rumour-peddlers and mischievous ‘news sources’ of questionable provenance whose only intention is to promote discord and confusion in the polity,” the statement said.

The ruling party further stressed that political activities remain prohibited under Nigeria’s electoral laws and regulations, insisting that it is not the time for succession politics.

“At this time, our party remains focused on supporting President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in delivering the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the APC said, adding that the reforms being implemented are “steadily transforming the economy, building prosperity, and uplifting the living conditions of our people.”

The party also cautioned its ministers, senior government officials and party leaders against making comments that could fuel unnecessary speculation.

“We call on our ministers, senior government and party officials to avoid, wittingly or unwittingly, stoking needless speculations, and to focus on their primary duty of diligent service to government and our party,” APC added.