APC denies Tinubu-Shettima rift amid North Central’s push for 2027 vice presidency

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APC denies Tinubu-Shettima rift amid North Central’s push for 2027 vice presidency

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed speculations of a rift between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, rejecting claims that Tinubu is considering a new running mate for the 2027 elections.

Despite Tinubu not officially announcing a re-election bid, party loyalists and key stakeholders have reportedly begun mobilizing support for a potential second term. However, recent rumors suggesting discord between Tinubu and Shettima have been described as unfounded by party officials.

Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, APC’s National Director of Publicity, refuted the reports, describing them as “beer-parlour discussions” without any credible basis.

“This is pure speculation without foundation. These are beer-parlour discussions that should not be taken seriously,” Ibrahim said.

He added that even if the president were to consider replacing the vice president, such a decision would require extensive consultations with critical stakeholders, not unilateral action.

Meanwhile, political stakeholders from Nigeria’s North Central geopolitical zone have renewed their demand for either the presidency or vice presidency in the 2027 elections.

At a press conference held in Abuja, leaders from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states, led by Prof. Nghargbu K’tso, urged major political parties to consider zoning their presidential or vice-presidential tickets to the region.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the stakeholders argued that if APC grants Tinubu the “right of first refusal” for the presidential ticket, the vice-presidential slot should be allocated to the North Central.

Prof. K’tso, flanked by other regional leaders, emphasized that the region has been sidelined since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, having never produced a democratically elected president or vice president.

“Of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, only North Central and South East have not occupied the positions of president or vice president in the past 26 years of the Fourth Republic,” he said.

He noted that the North Central’s case is worse than that of the South East, which at least produced Dr. Alex Ekwueme as vice president from 1979 to 1983.

“This is about fairness. We want to be recognized not as mere political adjuncts but as full stakeholders in the ‘One North’ project,” K’tso stated.

However, the APC has dismissed the North Central’s demand, describing it as unrealistic and premature.

Reacting to the calls, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim said the demand was “dead on arrival,” arguing that the region’s electoral contribution is relatively low compared to other zones like the North West.

“The North Central should not see the presidency or vice presidency as a right, especially given its relatively lower electoral contribution compared to zones like the North West. They have made similar demands in the past, but these are often irrational and only serve to create unnecessary political tension,” Ibrahim revealed.

He further noted that zoning discussions should not arise while President Tinubu is still serving his first term.

“The current occupant of the presidency must be given the chance to serve two terms. Conversations about zoning should only happen after that,” he emphasized.