2027: APC Breaks Silence on VP Shettima’s Potential Replacement

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed speculation that President Bola Tinubu may consider dropping Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to the APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, the rumours of the replacement are baseless and distracting, affirming that the relationship between the President and his deputy remains strong.

“I’m hearing that for the first time. There’s a solid working relationship between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima,” Arodiogbu stated.

“Shettima is a key asset—intelligent, focused, and deeply involved in this administration. These rumours are likely just political noise meant to create division.”

He further noted that such speculations are not uncommon in the run-up to an election, especially as political alignments begin to shift. However, he stressed that the President and the Vice President enjoy full confidence and backing from the party leadership.

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, denied such a plan.

“I am not aware, Sir,” he said.

The rumours emerged in the aftermath of a high-profile endorsement of President Tinubu by key APC stakeholders. At the APC National Summit held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, 22 governors, National Assembly leaders, and senior party figures threw their support behind Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

The motion for endorsement was moved by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and was seconded by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani. Their position was later reinforced by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who cited the President’s performance as justification for continuity.

The flurry of endorsements has fueled speculation that the Vice President could be replaced to balance regional interests or expand Tinubu’s electoral base in 2027.