APC’s Mustapha Salihu Denies Rift Between President Tinubu and VP Shettima, Calls Rumors ‘Inevitable’

The National Vice Chairman (North-East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mustapha Salihu, has dismissed rumors of a rift between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Reports had suggested that Shettima was being sidelined, especially due to Tinubu’s failure to formally transfer power to him during extended periods abroad, and that Shettima’s name was often omitted during endorsements for Tinubu’s second term, fueling speculation about a possible replacement for the 2027 election.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Salihu described such rumors as common distractions in any administration and attributed them to political opportunists. He said, “The administration of a party is not run on social media, newspapers, or television. It’s handled internally.” He added, “These kinds of rumors are inevitable in every administration—people will always try to suggest friction between the principal and the Vice. It’s what some insecure politicians thrive on. But if you’re secure in yourself, you shouldn’t be bothered by such noise.”

Salihu also rejected claims of discontent within the APC in the North-East region, stating that he had engaged extensively with party members from Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, and Yobe ahead of recent party summits, emphasizing unity and collaborative efforts within the party.