A northern group within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Youth Parliament has raised red flags over rumors of ditching Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in 2027, calling such moves ‘dangerous’ and ‘divisive’.

The group described such moves as dangerous, divisive, and capable of weakening the ruling party.

Speaking to journalists in Bauchi on Wednesday, the Chairman of the group, Kabiru Garba Kobi, dismissed the rumours as a deliberate attempt to sow discord within the APC and undermine both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.

According to Kobi, those behind the speculation are pursuing personal and external political interests rather than the unity and stability of the party.

“Any attempt to replace Senator Kashim Shettima will be a grave political error that could cost President Tinubu massive support in the North, particularly the North-East,” Kobi warned.

He noted that despite renewed political discussions suggesting that President Tinubu is assessing names such as former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Defence Minister Lt-Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, such speculations remain distractions driven by political opportunists.

“Everything required of a deputy, loyalty, dedication, courage, political experience, and grassroots support, Senator Kashim Shettima has demonstrated beyond doubt,” he said.

The APC Youth Parliament Chairman stressed that Shettima remains the most unifying political figure in the North-East and a bridge between the region and the rest of the country.

“Shettima is the man who can mobilize the North and deliver the votes President Tinubu needs in 2027. Those calling for his replacement did not contribute meaningfully to the APC’s victory in 2023. Some of them actively worked against Tinubu at the time,” Kobi added.

He further cautioned President Tinubu against listening to voices that were neither loyal to the party nor invested in its success. “We appeal to Mr President not to be distracted by those who were never part of the struggle. Holding firmly to Shettima is the surest path to victory in 2027,” he said.