Insists no plan to replace VP the All Progressives Congress (APC) has debunked as rumors, alleged rift between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing the claims as “beer-parlour discussions” without any credible basis.

The party’s National Director of Publicity, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the speculation, emphasizing that even if the president were to consider replacing the vice president, such a decision would require extensive consultations with critical stakeholders.

Despite President Tinubu not officially announcing a re-election bid, party loyalists and key stakeholders have begun mobilizing support for a potential second term.

However, the APC has assured that there are no plans to replace Vice President Shettima, and that the rumors of discord between the two leaders are unfounded.

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 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.

However, the APC has dismissed the North Central’s demand, describing it as unrealistic and premature. Alhaji Bala Ibrahim argued that the region’s electoral contribution is relatively low compared to other zones like the North West, and that zoning discussions should not arise while President Tinubu is still serving his first term.

Prof. K’tso emphasized that the North Central region has been sidelined since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, having never produced a democratically elected president or vice president. He noted that the region’s case is worse than that of the South East, which at least produced Dr. Alex Ekwueme as vice president from 1979 to 1983. The North Central stakeholders are seeking recognition as full stakeholders in the “One North” project, rather than being treated as mere political adjuncts.

The APC’s dismissal of the North Central’s demand has sparked a mixed reactions from political stakeholders. While some have praised the party’s commitment to fairness and merit, others have criticized the decision as shortsighted and unfair to the region.

As the 2027 elections approach, the debate over zoning and regional representation is likely to continue, with the North Central zone seeking to assert its claim to the presidency or vice presidency.