2027: APC speaks on plans to drop Shettima

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly dismissed rumours suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is planning to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The speculation, which has gained traction online and in political circles, was labelled as “baseless and unfounded” by the APC’s National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, during an interview with Daily Trust. He described the claims as mere “beer-parlour talks” with no substance.

President Tinubu, who is yet to officially declare his intention to seek re-election in 2027, has seen early mobilisation efforts from some of his loyalists. However, concerns have emerged in opposition camps over Shettima’s perceived lack of strong political influence in the North, prompting talks of a possible change in the presidential ticket.

Ibrahim was quick to shut down such conversations, stressing that the decision to alter a running mate is not one the president can make unilaterally. “There is no rift between the president and his vice,” he said. “These rumours are clearly attempts to create division within the APC, and they will not succeed.”

Meanwhile, political leaders from Nigeria’s North Central region are intensifying their calls for inclusion in the nation’s power structure. During a recent meeting in Abuja led by Professor Nghargbu K’tso, leaders from Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states renewed demands for the presidency or vice presidency to be zoned to their region in 2027.

Professor K’tso argued that both the North Central and South East have never produced a democratically elected president or vice president, stressing the need for fairness and balanced representation. “We are tired of being political appendages,” he declared. “It’s time the North Central is recognised as a full stakeholder in Nigeria’s democracy.”

In response, Bala Ibrahim dismissed their demands as “unrealistic” and “dead on arrival,” asserting that the North Central has not delivered the kind of electoral strength that justifies such expectations. He pointed to the North West as a consistent powerhouse of votes for the APC.

“These kinds of statements only breed political tension and division,” Ibrahim warned, adding that it’s too early to begin serious 2027 discussions.

Despite the APC’s position, the political atmosphere is already heating up, with early lobbying, regional realignments, and behind-the-scenes manoeuvres taking shape across the country. Though official declarations are still months away, 2027 is already setting the stage for another high-stakes political showdown.