The All Progressives Congress has dismissed widespread speculation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is considering dropping Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In a strongly worded statement, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka described the reports as purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless. He said the party was compelled to respond after a recent media interview with the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, triggered renewed debate over the composition of the ruling party’s 2027 ticket.

Musawa had warned that the APC could weaken its electoral chances if it abandoned the current Muslim-Muslim configuration or failed to retain a northern Muslim as Tinubu’s running mate. Her comments, referencing the political weight of Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri Muslim blocs, were widely interpreted as confirmation that internal discussions were underway about possible changes to the ticket.

Morka rejected that narrative, insisting there was no plan within the party to replace Shettima or to shop for an alternative candidate. He said recent reports naming supposed contenders for the vice-presidential slot were the product of rumour-mongering and political mischief rather than any credible internal process.

The APC spokesman urged ministers, senior government officials and party leaders to refrain from comments that could be misconstrued as reflecting official party positions. According to him, their focus should remain on governance and service, not on fueling premature succession or campaign debates.

Morka also cautioned the media against amplifying unverified claims about the 2027 race, warning that such stories risked promoting discord and confusion in the polity. He reminded political actors that, under existing laws and electoral regulations, formal campaigns and related activities remain prohibited.

Reaffirming the party’s stance, Morka said the APC is firmly aligned behind Tinubu and Shettima as a team, and is concentrating on the implementation of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He maintained that the government’s ongoing reforms are aimed at stabilising the economy, expanding prosperity and improving living conditions across the country.

With this clarification, the APC leadership is seeking to shut down speculation about a reshuffle at the top of the ticket and project an image of unity around the president and his deputy as the political class quietly begins to look toward 2027.