A recent statement from the Nigerian government has sought to calm speculation about a potential rift between President Bola Tinubu and his vice president, Kashim Shettima. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, played down rumors of a feud, citing the close working relationship between the two leaders.
Speculation about a possible rift surfaced after rumors emerged that President Tinubu might consider choosing a different running mate if he secures his party’s ticket for a second term. Additionally, there were reports that Vice President Shettima was once barred from meeting with the President at the presidential Villa. The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North-East, led by Mustapha Salihu, further fueled speculation by publicly endorsing President Tinubu without mentioning Shettima. This move prompted a protest from the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, who objected to the endorsement without Shettima’s inclusion.
However, in an interview on Channels Television, Minister Idris dismissed the idea of a feud, stating, “This feud exists in the imagination of the people who want to believe that.” He emphasized that he has seen the President and Vice President interact in close quarters, adding, “I’ve been in the room where the President and the Vice President… I’m talking about recently.” Idris also addressed the possibility of Shettima not running with Tinubu in 2027, saying, “Who told you that? When President Tinubu gave the ticket the first time, did you hear of Shettima’s name?” The Minister underscored that the choice of vice president is the President’s prerogative and that Tinubu has chosen Shettima, with whom he is working “perfectly together.”
Idris also responded to reports that the Vice President was once unable to meet with the President, saying, “Not see the president in this country? This is not an Atiku-Obasanjo scenario. We have a Tinubu-Shettima. I mean, they are working perfectly. He likes Shettima. He likes him. They’ve come along a long time.” The Minister emphasized that there is no indication that the President wants to drop his vice president, pointing out that Shettima regularly represents the President and speaks on his behalf. Idris concluded by asking, “Has Vice President Kashim Shettima ever told you that he has a problem with the President?” The statement suggests that the Nigerian government is seeking to downplay speculation about a rift between the President and his vice president, emphasizing their close working relationship and mutual respect.
