Abuja, Nigeria – June 17, 2025— The National Vice Chairman (North-East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mustapha Salihu, has dismissed rising speculations of a strained relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, insisting there is no discord in the presidency.
This follows media reports and public concerns over Shettima’s limited visibility during high-level endorsements for Tinubu’s potential second term and the President’s perceived reluctance to transmit power during extended trips abroad.
In a live interview aired on Channels Television on Monday, Salihu maintained that such rumours are part of the normal political landscape and should not be misinterpreted as signs of a crisis within the APC.
“The administration of a party is not run on social media, newspapers, or television. It’s handled internally,” Salihu asserted.
“These kinds of rumours are inevitable in every administration — people will always try to suggest friction between the principal and the Vice. It’s what some insecure politicians thrive on. But if you’re secure in yourself, you shouldn’t be bothered by such noise.”
He emphasized that the North-East caucus of the party remains united and committed, rejecting insinuations that there is unrest or discontent brewing from the region regarding Shettima’s role.
“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 noted, describing an atmosphere of cohesion and teamwork within the regional APC leadership.
Concerns about Tinubu’s preference for another running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election have been gaining attention. Political observers cite Shettima’s name being omitted from recent endorsement events and reports of internal debates among top APC governors about the Vice President’s future.
However, Salihu firmly stated that such discussions remain speculative and internal party mechanisms are in place to handle succession and nomination matters appropriately when the time comes.
“As a party, we focus on delivering good governance, not rumours. What people should be looking at is the impact of the Tinubu-Shettima administration so far, not who is standing next to who on stage,” he added.
The APC chieftain’s remarks come at a time when the political atmosphere is heating up ahead of the 2027 general elections. Although both Tinubu and Shettima have not publicly addressed the speculation, party insiders continue to stress that the presidency remains a united front.
The Vice President has also repeatedly shown public support for President Tinubu’s vision, including praising him for continuing the late MKO Abiola’s legacy of national unity and economic progress.
Salihu’s public dismissal of the rumoured rift is seen as part of the APC’s broader strategy to present a stable and focused image to the Nigerian electorate ahead of upcoming political contests.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, observers anticipate more strategic positioning, but party leaders like Salihu are determined to maintain cohesion and confidence within the APC’s ranks.
