A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Ismaeel Ahmed, has debunked speculations of a rift between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, dismissing claims of plans to replace the Vice President ahead of the 2027 presidential election as “malicious rumours.”

Speaking on Tuesday, the former APC Board of Trustees member categorically denied reports of friction between the two leaders, emphasizing their mutual trust. “It’s not true. I know it very well. There is trust between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. We are trying to create an issue where there is none,” Ahmed stated.

He refuted suggestions that discussions were underway to substitute Shettima or sideline him within the administration. “All of these, as far as I am concerned, are rumours—absolutely rumours. I am absolutely aware there is no discussion about substituting the Vice President,” he said, attributing the claims to individuals unfamiliar with the presidency’s operations.

Ahmed called on APC members and Nigerians to shift their focus from political speculation to governance, noting that the Tinubu administration still has two years to fulfill its mandate. “We have a mandate from the people for four years. Two years have passed; we have one year to the primaries and two to the general elections. Let’s focus on governing,” he urged.

Highlighting the need for effective communication, Ahmed stressed that the government and party should prioritize showcasing their achievements. “There are so many things we are doing right—let’s espouse them. Anything other than that is a distraction,” he added.

The remarks come amid growing political chatter about the APC’s strategy for 2027, with Ahmed’s intervention aimed at quelling rumours and reinforcing unity within the ruling party.