APC Chairman Yilwatda Speaks On Replacing Shettima As Tinubu’s Running Mate

APC Chairman Yilwatda Speaks On Replacing Shettima As Tinubu’s Running Mate
Party not considering dropping Vice President Kashim Shettima
Yilwatda distances APC from Rivers political feud

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed claims that he has been selected as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

Yilwatda described the reports as false while speaking during an appearance on Channels Television on Tuesday.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that he said the party was not considering dropping Vice President Kashim Shettima, adding that the claims were baseless and politically motivated.

According to him, discussions about the 2027 presidential ticket are premature and can only take place after the party conducts its primary election.

“People are trying to raise dust where there is no dust at all. Most of the speculation comes from the opposition,” Yilwatda said.

When asked whether the Tinubu Shettima ticket would be retained, the APC chairman said, “Nobody is discussing the issue of the vice president.”

Meanwhile, Yilwatda said the ongoing political feud between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, does not fall within his jurisdiction as APC national chairman.

He explained that the matter could not be handled by him because Wike is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, while Fubara belongs to the APC.

“When it comes to the issue between Wike and Fubara, it’s not within my purview as the national chairman of APC. Wike is in PDP, Fubara is in APC,” he said.

Yilwatda further clarified that the ongoing impeachment moves in Rivers State concern only members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who belong to the APC.

“The issue of impeachment is not about Wike now; it concerns APC House of Assembly members. That is something I can discuss. It’s an internal matter, and we have mechanisms within APC to resolve such issues,” he added.

He stressed that internal party disputes should be handled discreetly and with maturity, rather than being discussed publicly.

“We don’t put these discussions in the public. Issues can be resolved through in house activities that require maturity to address. Wike is not a problem in APC,” Yilwatda said.