The ruling All Progressives Congress APC on Monday went guns blazing shooting down what it called “baseless” rumours of a high-level shakeup in the 2027 presidential ticket.

It declared that there is no plan to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Three names – former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara; Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah; and, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (read) – all northern Christians, had been touted in political circles and the media as some of those being considered as Shettima’s replacement.

Also, Culture and Tourism minister, Hannatu Musa had weighed in, declaring that APC would have a difficult run at the presidency should it drop a northern Fulani, Kanuri or Hausa muslim for a Christian.

​However, in a blistering statement issued Monday in Abuja, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, slammed what he described as a “media frenzy” designed to sow discord within the ruling party.

The party which fell short of calling out Musawa, warned Tinubu’s appointees against overheating the polity with such speculations.

“We call on our ministers, senior government and Party officials to avoid, wittingly or unwittingly, stoking needless speculations, and to focus on their primary duty of diligent service to government and our Party, and bolster the success and achievements of President Tinubu, our inimitable and visionary leader”, APC declared.

​The party expressed outrage over recent reports that have moved beyond mere gossips to “tout” specific names as potential replacements for Shettima.

The APC leadership categorically labeled these stories as a coordinated attempt by “mischievous news sources” to distract the government.

​”Our Party states in categorical terms that the stories are purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless,” Morka fired back.

​Reminding political actors that the ban on 2027 electioneering remains in full force, the APC insisted its eyes are firmly on the ball – President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

​The party warned that while critics are busy speculating on the next election, the administration is busy fixing the economy, uplifting lives and silencing distractions.

​The ruling party urged the media to stop providing platforms for “rumour-peddlers” whose only goal is to trigger political instability.

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