No rift between Tinubu, Shettima—Minister dismisses 2027 running mate speculations

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has dismissed widespread speculations of a rift between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, amid reports that the President may be considering a new running mate for the 2027 general election.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, Idris described the alleged feud as a fabrication fueled by political mischief-makers and emphasized that both leaders maintain a cordial and productive working relationship.

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

Rumors of tension between the two top government officials have swirled in recent weeks, with some reports alleging that Vice President Shettima was at one point denied access to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

The situation reportedly escalated after the North-East leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Mustapha Salihu, publicly endorsed President Tinubu for a second term without acknowledging Shettima.

This prompted a protest led by Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, who is believed to be defending his political ally and fellow Borno native.

However, Minister Idris dismissed the insinuations, stating that such narratives are not only speculative but also unfounded.

“This is not an Atiku-Obasanjo scenario. Tinubu and Shettima are working perfectly. He (President Tinubu) likes Shettima. They’ve come a long way together,” the Minister insisted.

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When asked if Shettima might be replaced should President Tinubu secure the APC ticket for the 2027 presidential election, Idris reminded Nigerians that the choice of a running mate is solely the prerogative of the President.

“Who told you that? When President Tinubu got the ticket the first time, did you hear Shettima’s name from the beginning? The choice of vice president is his alone, and he chose Shettima. They are working perfectly together,” he said.

He also dismissed suggestions that Shettima has been sidelined in presidential functions.

“Just yesterday, he was representing the President at the banquet hall. Every week, you see the Vice President delivering speeches and performing official duties. Has Shettima ever told you he has a problem with the President?”

Idris called on Nigerians to ignore what he described as “noise” from political detractors and emphasized that the Tinubu-Shettima administration remains focused on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda to Nigerians.

The Presidency has not issued a formal statement addressing the speculation, but the Information Minister’s comments are being interpreted as an effort to quell rising political tension and reinforce the unity of the administration ahead of 2027.