The Federal Government has dismissed claims of a political rift between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing the alleged feud as “pure imagination” fueled by speculation surrounding the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Wednesday, June 18, during an interview on Channels Television, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, firmly refuted reports that President Tinubu may consider replacing Shettima on the 2027 ticket if he secures the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination for a second term.

“This feud exists in the imagination of the people who want to believe that. I’ve seen the President and the Vice President walk in close quarters. I’ve been in the room with both of them — I’m talking about recently,” Idris said.

Recent developments have stirred speculation, including claims that Shettima was once barred from accessing the Presidential Villa.

Tensions appeared to deepen when the APC North-East leadership, led by Mustapha Salihu, endorsed President Tinubu for re-election without mentioning the Vice President.

The move reportedly prompted a protest led by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum in defence of Shettima.

No division between Tinubu and Shettima – Idris

But Idris dismissed all insinuations of division, insisting that both leaders enjoy a harmonious working relationship.

“This is not an Atiku-Obasanjo scenario. We have a Tinubu-Shettima. They are working perfectly. He [Tinubu] likes Shettima. They’ve come a long way,” he said.

When asked about the possibility of Tinubu selecting a different running mate in 2027, Idris emphasised that such decisions are solely at the discretion of the President.

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“When President Tinubu gave the ticket the first time, did you hear Shettima’s name before it was announced? The choice of a vice president is the President’s prerogative.”

He concluded by reinforcing the strength of their partnership: “Only yesterday, the Vice President was representing him in the banquet hall. Has Kashim Shettima ever told you he has a problem with the President?”

Mustapha Salihu, the National Vice Chairman (North-East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed reports suggesting a fallout between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing the speculation as the handiwork of “conflict entrepreneurs.”

In recent weeks, growing speculation has pointed to a possible rift between Nigeria’s two top leaders, with claims that Vice President Shettima has been sidelined in key decision-making processes and political endorsements ahead of the 2027 election.

One of the main concerns raised by observers is President Tinubu’s alleged failure to formally transfer power to Shettima during his prolonged travels abroad—a move that has traditionally signaled trust and collaboration between both offices.

Further fuelling the speculation is Shettima’s conspicuous absence or low mention during high-profile events where Tinubu has received endorsements for a second term in office.

This has sparked suggestions that the President may be considering a new running mate for the next electoral cycle.

No rift between Tinubu and Shettima

However, during an appearance on Channels Television on Monday night, June 16, Salihu refuted the claims, emphasising that internal party affairs are not conducted in the public domain.

“The administration of a party is not run on social media, newspapers, or television. It’s handled internally,” Salihu said, adding, “These kinds of rumours are inevitable in every administration—people will always try to suggest friction between the principal and the vice.”

He attributed the rumours to political opportunists looking to exploit divisions.

“It’s what some insecure politicians thrive on. But if you’re secure in yourself, you shouldn’t be bothered by such noise,” he added.

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Salihu also dismissed the idea that there was unrest within the APC in the North-East, the region from which Shettima hails.

“I’m in Yola. I’ve engaged with members from Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, and Yobe. We all stayed up the night before the summit brainstorming,” he said.

He concluded by insisting that the party remains united and any internal concerns are being handled discreetly.

A socio-political movement supporting President Bola Tinubu has declared its intent to mobilise 10 million votes for his re-election in 2027 through a nationwide grassroots campaign.

Speaking during a Democracy Day press briefing in Abuja, Sunday Adekanbi, protem national coordinator of the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, announced the group’s mission to “sustain the momentum of progress” under the Tinubu administration.

“In just two years, President Tinubu has demonstrated unparalleled vision, courage, and resolve, positioning Nigeria as a global economic powerhouse and a beacon of democratic governance,” Adekanbi said.

The movement, which counts former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as its grand patron, aims to garner support for Tinubu from the grassroots level.

According to Adekanbi, Tompolo will spearhead a nationwide tour that will engage citizens “ward by ward, street by street, and home by home.”

“His leadership will galvanise support across regions, uniting Nigerians behind a leader who has proven his capacity to deliver,” he added.

The campaign will focus on promoting President Tinubu’s reform agenda, countering misinformation, and highlighting the administration’s achievements under the Renewed Hope programme.

Adekanbi described the initiative as deeply rooted in community-level activism and pledged the movement would serve as a “robust support network” for Tinubu’s 2027 campaign.

“We vow to mobilise 10 million votes for his re-election in 2027, ensuring that his transformative vision resonates with every Nigerian.

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“We call on all Nigerians to join us in this movement to secure a brighter future under President Tinubu’s leadership,” he said.

The PBAT Door-2-Door Movement joins other early support blocs rallying ahead of the 2027 general elections, signalling growing political mobilisation as the president approaches the halfway point of his first term.