By Wealth Oghenemaro
A prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ismaeel Ahmed, has firmly debunked speculations suggesting that the party is considering replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview on Politics Today aired on Channels Television, the former APC Board of Trustees member described the allegations as “baseless and malicious,” asserting that no such plans exist within the party’s leadership.
“There is absolutely no truth to it. I’m very much aware that there has been no conversation whatsoever about substituting the Vice President,” Ahmed stated. “The relationship between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima remains one of mutual respect and trust.”
The rumours reportedly gained traction after the recent APC North-East stakeholders’ meeting held in Gombe. At the event, the party’s National Vice Chairman for the North-East, Mustapha Salihu, publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027 but failed to acknowledge Vice President Shettima. The omission raised eyebrows and triggered speculation about a possible rift within the party’s top ranks.
Reacting to the incident, Ahmed said the endorsement was being blown out of proportion and cautioned against misinterpreting internal political dynamics. According to him, such endorsements are often ceremonial and rooted in party tradition rather than a sign of internal strife or exclusion.
“In the APC, we have a standing tradition where a sitting president is not contested for a second term. It’s practically understood. There was no need for that endorsement drama—it came off as overzealous,” he said. “Frankly, President Tinubu does not require an endorsement from within the party; his candidacy is already expected.”
Ahmed went further to describe the entire affair as “orchestrated sycophancy,” insisting that such theatrics do nothing to advance the party’s primary objective—governance.
He advised those peddling the rumour to focus on real issues rather than manufacturing divisions where none exist, reiterating that Vice President Shettima remains firmly part of the Tinubu administration’s plans.
