- APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda dismissed reports linking him to President Tinubu’s running mate position in 2027
- He said there were no discussions within the party about replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima
- Yilwatda urged party members to ignore speculation and focus on governance and party discipline ahead of the elections
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed speculation that he has been penciled in as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election, describing the reports as baseless and misleading.
Yilwatda clarified during an interview on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television, where he also rejected claims that the ruling party is considering dropping Vice President Kashim Shettima.
According to him, the speculation surrounding a possible change in the vice-presidential slot is unnecessary and unfounded. “Not true. Nobody is discussing anything about the issue of the vice president,” the APC chairman said, adding that the rumours were “raising dust where there is no dust at all.”
He explained that discussions relating to vice-presidential candidates can only take place after a party concludes its presidential primary, stressing that such matters are premature at this stage of the electoral cycle.
“The issue of candidature comes after the primary election. It is after that the party and the candidate will sit down to select and nominate a running mate,” Yilwatda stated.
The APC chairman further insisted that no internal discussions have been held within the party regarding a change of running mate or his alleged consideration for the position. He attributed the rumours to opposition elements seeking to distract the ruling party from its governance and organisational priorities.
“I laugh when I hear it. There is nothing like that at all. Nothing has been discussed,” he said.
Yilwatda recalled that he had previously warned APC political appointees and elected officials against making public comments on vice-presidential matters, noting that such discussions could create unnecessary tension and confusion within the party.
He urged party members and the general public to disregard the speculation and focus on issues of governance and development, reaffirming the party’s commitment to internal discipline and due process.
The clarification comes amid heightened political conjecture ahead of the 2027 general elections, with various unverified reports circulating about possible realignments within major political parties.