The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected speculation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is considering replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 elections.
Amid growing political activities surrounding Tinubu’s potential re-election bid, rumors emerged suggesting internal divisions over the vice-presidential slot. However, APC’s National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed these claims as baseless, calling them “pure speculation” and urging the public not to take them seriously.
He clarified that any decision regarding the vice-presidential slot would require broad consultations with key party stakeholders, emphasizing that such a move cannot be made unilaterally by the president.
Meanwhile, political figures from Nigeria’s North Central region have intensified calls for either the presidency or vice-presidency in the 2027 elections.
Stakeholders from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states gathered in Abuja, led by Prof. Nghargbu K’tso, to press for greater political representation. In a communiqué released after the meeting, they urged major political parties to consider zoning one of the top two positions to the region.
The leaders argued that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the North Central has yet to produce an elected president or vice president. They pointed out that, alongside the South East, their region remains politically sidelined at the highest levels of governance.
Prof. Nghargbu emphasized that if APC grants Tinubu the first right of refusal for a second term, then the vice-presidential ticket should be allocated to the North Central.
“This is a matter of equity and fairness. Our region must be recognized as an essential part of the ‘One North’ agenda,” he stated.
In response, APC’s Bala Ibrahim dismissed the North Central’s demand for zoning, describing it as impractical. He argued that political positions should not be viewed as entitlements, especially when considering voting strength and past electoral contributions.
According to him, discussions about zoning should only take place after Tinubu has completed a second term, as the current priority should be ensuring continuity in governance.
“The president deserves the opportunity to serve two terms before any discussions about succession take place,” Ibrahim stated.
