APC Leadership Addresses Rumors About 2027 Vice-Presidential Ticket
In a significant development regarding Nigeria's political landscape, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially addressed growing speculation about its 2027 vice-presidential candidate. The party's national chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has categorically dismissed rumors suggesting potential changes to the ticket that currently features Senator Kashim Shettima as vice president.
Official Statement on Media Speculation
Speaking during an interview on Trust TV monitored by Legit.ng on Sunday, January 2, Professor Yilwatda emphasized that the ruling party is not currently discussing the 2027 vice-presidential ticket. He described all media reports on this matter as premature, speculative, and lacking factual basis. The APC chairman stressed that political candidates belong to the party as an institution rather than to individuals.
"Candidates belong to the political party and not to individuals," Yilwatda stated clearly. "Even the president, when he becomes a candidate, he is the candidate of the party. So, the only person that can make a statement on whether there will be a vice president or not is the party. So, every other person that has made a statement is just rumour mills."
Background of the Controversy
This clarification comes amid heightened public interest and intense speculation surrounding the APC's strategy for the 2027 general elections. The controversy traces back to President Bola Tinubu's choice of Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election, which generated significant debate due to the Muslim-Muslim ticket composition. Both Tinubu and Shettima are Muslims, leading to calls from various quarters for greater religious balance in the party's leadership structure.
In recent weeks, several media outlets and social media platforms have circulated reports suggesting potential changes to the party's 2027 ticket. Among those mentioned as possible replacements for Shettima were prominent Christian figures including the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah from Kaduna State, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara from Bauchi State. There were also speculations that Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin from Kano in the North-west could potentially replace Shettima.
Internal Party Concerns and Warnings
The APC's official denial followed a day after Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, warned about potential consequences of replacing Shettima. Minister Musawa cautioned that such a move could jeopardize the party's chances in the 2027 elections, highlighting internal concerns about maintaining political stability and electoral viability.
Adding to this perspective, Ichie Ferdinand Iloduba, an APC chieftain from Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State, had earlier advised the party against any planned decision to replace Vice President Shettima with a Northern Christian candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections. In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, Iloduba reasoned that such a move could potentially weaken the party's prospects in the upcoming election, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the current political alignment.
Political Implications and Future Considerations
The APC's firm position on this matter reflects broader considerations about party unity, electoral strategy, and religious dynamics in Nigerian politics. As the 2027 elections approach, political analysts suggest that the ruling party must carefully navigate these complex factors while maintaining its support base across Nigeria's diverse religious and ethnic landscape.
Professor Yilwatda's statement serves to calm tensions within the party and among the general public while reaffirming the APC's current leadership structure. The clarification emphasizes that any decisions regarding the 2027 ticket will be made through proper party channels at the appropriate time, rather than through media speculation or individual pronouncements.
This development underscores the ongoing significance of the Muslim-Muslim ticket debate in Nigerian politics and highlights how religious considerations continue to influence political discourse and electoral strategies in Africa's most populous nation. As the APC prepares for future elections, maintaining internal cohesion while addressing diverse public expectations remains a critical challenge for the ruling party's leadership.
