The presidency has dispelled rumours suggesting that President Bola Tinubu is planning to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In response to reports alleging a rift between Tinubu and Shettima, and a possible shake-up in the presidential ticket, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said no decision has been made on the president’s running mate.

According to him, such decisions are premature and will only be made after the All Progressives Congress (APC) holds its convention in 2026.

“Once INEC releases the timetable, the party convention will hold, and if the president is nominated again, he will choose his running mate,” Onanuga said in an interview.

He emphasised that there is currently no conflict between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, calling the reports “a non-issue.”

Onanuga added that before any talk of running mates can begin, the candidate must first be officially nominated.

“That’s what happened under Buhari—he was nominated first and later picked his running mate. You don’t do both at once,” he explained.

Tinubu’s History with Running Mates

Addressing concerns over Tinubu’s track record as Lagos State governor—where he changed his deputy governors twice—Onanuga cautioned against drawing comparisons.

He described the changes made during Tinubu’s time as governor as decisions driven by “specific political circumstances,” and rejected claims of a recurring pattern.

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“So, it’s wrong to say he has a pattern of discarding deputies. There were specific political circumstances each time. That’s what I’m explaining,” he stated.

The presidency’s remarks appear aimed at quelling mounting speculation about Tinubu’s potential 2027 strategy, reaffirming that any such announcements remain at least a year away.

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.