An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Cletus Obun, has dismissed speculations that the ruling party plans to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima from President Bola Tinubu’s ticket ahead of the 2027 general election, describing the reports as unfounded and politically motivated. Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Wednesday, Obun said the APC has not held any discussion whatsoever about altering the Tinubu–Shettima ticket, stressing that such conversations are premature and not on the party’s agenda. This focus on governance and pressing national issues, rather than premature electoral speculation, highlights the APC’s commitment to delivering on its mandate. The chieftain emphasized that the party is currently preoccupied with governance and addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, rather than engaging in what he described as unnecessary political distractions. “What we are into now as a political party is to deal with issues of governance and the very turbulent issues facing Nigeria today,” he stated. This approach underscores a strategic prioritization of national development over internal political maneuvering. Featured snippet paragraph: The APC is not contemplating changes to the Tinubu-Shettima ticket for the 2027 elections. Party chieftain Cletus Obun stated that any such discussions are premature and not on the party’s agenda, as their current focus is on governance and addressing Nigeria’s challenges. Obun argued that those pushing the narrative of a possible change in the 2027 ticket are acting out of mischief and lack of goodwill toward the country. “So whoever and wherever that kind of rumour is coming from, it might be coming from very idle minds that don’t wish Nigeria well,” he stated. This perspective suggests that such rumors are intended to destabilize rather than reflect genuine party sentiment. Defending the current Vice President, Obun questioned the logic behind calls for altering what he described as a successful political pairing, noting that the Tinubu–Shettima ticket had already secured victory in the 2023 presidential election. “What would be the basis for changing a winning team?” he asked. The success of the previous election is presented as a strong reason for continuity. He went further to praise Shettima’s intellectual capacity, political experience, and performance in office, insisting that the Vice President remains one of the strongest assets of the administration. “Nobody in this country, if you put them on a debate with any of the presidential candidates that were paraded last time, can come near Kashim Shettima by pedigree or intellectual urbanity,” Obun said. This highlights the perceived strengths of the current Vice President. Obun also recalled the controversy that initially surrounded the Muslim–Muslim ticket ahead of the 2023 elections, noting that many of its critics have since become supporters of the administration. “Those who paraded the issue of Muslim–Muslim ticket before, where are they today?” he asked. “They are now the hallelujah singers and cheerleaders in APC, jubilating with us over the decision that was taken.” This serves as a historical reference point to counter current criticisms. He maintained that the APC is instead focused on strengthening internal cohesion, repositioning the party, and delivering on its promises to Nigerians. “Where we are now as a political party is how to put ourselves in a position to give the best to Nigerians,” Obun said, citing insecurity, education, and infrastructure as key areas of concern. This emphasizes the party’s forward-looking agenda. Obun insisted that the ruling party would not be distracted by rumours or speculative debates about 2027, stressing that any discussion about future candidacy would only come at the appropriate time, in line with party processes and constitutional provisions. The emphasis is on adhering to established procedures for candidate selection. Understanding the dynamics of Nigerian politics requires an examination of party strategies and leadership assessments. The APC’s stance on the 2027 ticket reflects a broader political narrative within the country. The APC’s current focus on governance and development, as articulated by Obun, aims to build public trust and demonstrate effective leadership. This strategy is crucial for any political party seeking to maintain power or gain support. The question of continuity in leadership is a recurring theme in electoral politics, and the APC’s defense of its current ticket showcases this ongoing debate. How political parties manage succession and maintain stability is often a key factor in electoral success. The role of media in shaping political discourse is evident in how such interviews are reported. ARISE News plays a part in disseminating these party perspectives to the public. Ultimately, the APC’s position on the 2027 ticket speculation suggests a strategic decision to prioritize immediate governance over long-term electoral planning at this juncture. This approach is common in politics where immediate challenges often take precedence. The political landscape in Nigeria is complex, with various factions and interests at play. Obun’s statements offer insight into one perspective within the ruling party concerning future electoral considerations.
