Senator Aliyu Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, has vehemently denied media reports linking him to a potential vice-presidential bid in the 2027 general elections. The former governor of Sokoto State, through his spokesperson, Abdallah el-Kurebe, dismissed the claims as categorically false, unauthorized, and politically motivated. The reports originated from a statement attributed to Abdullahi Yerima, Chairman of Kebbe Local Government Area, and published by a newspaper. Wamakko emphasized that he has never, either publicly or privately, expressed any interest in contesting for the vice presidency or any other political office in the upcoming 2027 elections. He characterized the report as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and drag his name into unnecessary political speculation.
The denial comes amidst a backdrop of simmering tensions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the political future of Vice President Kashim Shettima. A recent meeting of North-East APC stakeholders descended into chaos after leaders endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027 without mentioning Shettima. This incident fueled speculation that the North-West region, where Wamakko is a prominent figure, was maneuvering to position a candidate to replace Shettima as the vice-presidential nominee in the next election cycle. However, the Presidency has sought to downplay any perceived rift between Tinubu and Shettima, asserting that the President will choose his running mate after securing the party’s nomination at a convention.
Wamakko’s emphatic denial serves to distance himself from this political maneuvering. He reiterated his commitment to serving the people of Sokoto State and the nation through responsible leadership and political maturity. He urged those spreading the rumors to desist from engaging in opportunistic narratives concocted for selfish motives. Wamakko’s spokesperson further demanded that Yerima retract the statement attributed to him and issue a public apology to the senator and his family. He criticized Yerima’s actions as reckless and irresponsible, emphasizing that they were designed to create unnecessary political drama.
The controversy surrounding the 2027 vice-presidential slot highlights the complex power dynamics within the APC. While President Tinubu has yet to formally declare his intention to seek re-election, endorsements from various party stakeholders indicate a strong likelihood of him contesting. The apparent omission of Shettima from these endorsements has created uncertainty about his future political role. The North-West’s potential interest in the vice-presidential position further complicates the situation, introducing regional considerations into the party’s strategic calculations.
Wamakko’s swift and unequivocal denial suggests a desire to avoid being drawn into this potentially divisive intra-party contest. By distancing himself from the vice-presidential speculation, he maintains his political flexibility and avoids alienating either Tinubu or Shettima. His emphasis on responsible leadership and service to his constituents projects an image of stability and commitment to the broader interests of Sokoto State. The incident also underscores the challenges of managing information and combating the spread of misinformation in the current political landscape.
The episode also raises questions about the role of the media in disseminating unverified information. Wamakko’s office criticized the newspaper that published the initial report for failing to verify its authenticity. This highlights the need for responsible journalism and the importance of fact-checking before publishing potentially damaging claims. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of spreading misinformation and the importance of upholding journalistic integrity. The senator’s strong response underlines his commitment to transparency and accountability in public life and his determination to protect his reputation from unfounded allegations.
