The Federal Government maintains that President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are still united and continue to collaborate “perfectly,” rejecting reports of a breakdown between the two leaders.
Tinubu may think about selecting a different running mate for the 2027 presidential election, according to rumors that have been circulating in recent weeks over a purported fallout between the president and his deputy.
In an interview with Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Wednesday, however, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, addressed the issue and said the rumors were the result of people’s imagination.
“Those who wish to believe that this feud exists in their imagination,” he remarked. I was present in the room when the president and vice president walked side by side. I’m referring to recently.
When asked if the president was thinking of withdrawing Shettima for the upcoming election, the minister forcefully objected.
“Who said that to you?” he said. Did you hear the name of Shettima before President Tinubu received the ticket the first time? The president is in charge of selecting the running mate.
His selection is Kashim Shettima. Their collaboration is flawless. There is no sign that the president wants to fire his vice president, as far as I can tell.
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Political waters were stirred by the APC’s North-East endorsement.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) North-East leadership, led by Mustapha Salihu, openly supported President Tinubu’s 2027 goal without bringing up Vice President Shettima, sparking the issue.
Shettima, a native of the area, reportedly felt insulted by the omission, which led Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum to organize a protest.
The government now adamantly denies the unverified rumors that Shettima had previously been refused access to the President at the Villa, which fueled the rumor mill.
In response to the story, Idris remarked, “Not see the President in this country? An Atiku-Obasanjo situation does not exist here. We have a relationship between Tinubu and Shettima. They’ve made great progress and are operating effectively.
Additionally, the Minister noted that Vice President Shettima still represents the President at formal events and has the full support of his principal.
“He was only yesterday representing the President at the banquet hall,” he continued. On behalf of the President, the Vice President speaks every day of the week.
Has Kashim Shettima, the vice president, ever confided in you about his disagreement with the president?
