The Federal Government has denied allegations of a schism between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, claiming that both leaders remain unified and continue to work “perfectly” together.
Speculation has lingered in recent weeks about an alleged feud between the President and his deputy, with suspicions circulating that Tinubu may seek a different running mate for the 2027 presidential elections.
However, in an interview with Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Wednesday, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, dismissed the rumours as the product of public imagination.
He stated, “This quarrel only exists in the minds of those who wish to believe it. I was in the chamber when the President and Vice President walked close together. I’m talking about recently.
When asked if the President was thinking about dropping Shettima for the next election, the minister responded forcefully.
He remarked, “Who told you that? Did you hear Shettima’s name mentioned when President Tinubu first received the ticket? The president chooses his running companion.
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“He has selected Kashim Shettima. They operate well together. I have not seen any evidence that the President intends to remove his vice president.
APC’s North-East endorsement has sparked political debate.
The dispute began when the North-East leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Mustapha Salihu, officially endorsed President Tinubu’s 2027 aspiration without mentioning Vice President Shettima.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum reportedly led a protest over the perceived disrespect to Shettima, who is from the region.
There were unsubstantiated claims that Shettima had previously been denied access to the President in the Villa, which the government now categorically denies.
Idris responded to the allegations by saying, “Not see the President in this country? This isn’t an Atiku-Obasanjo situation. We have a Tinubu-Shettima connection. “They’ve come a long way and are doing well.”
The Minister further stated that Vice President Shettima continues to represent the President at official functions and has his principal’s full trust.
He went on to say, “He only represented the President in the banquet hall yesterday. Every day of the week, the Vice President speaks on behalf of the President.
“Has Vice President Kashim Shettima ever told you that he has a problem with the President?”
