2027 Vice-Presidency: Senator Wamakko Denounces Ambition Claims as False, Politically Motivated

Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, has firmly denied reports suggesting that he harbours any ambition to become Nigeria’s vice president in the 2027 general election. The former governor of Sokoto State, widely known as the Sarkin Yamman Sokoto, dismissed the speculations as politically mischievous, unfounded, and entirely untrue.

The rebuttal came via a press statement issued on Sunday through his media aide, Abdallah el-Kurebe, following a claim made by the Chairman of Kebbe Local Government Area, Abdullahi Yerima. Yerima was quoted in a publication (not The PUNCH) as saying Wamakko was positioning himself to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima in 2027—a narrative Wamakko has outrightly rejected.

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Wamakko Disowns 2027 Vice-Presidential Speculations

In the statement, Senator Wamakko made it clear that at no time—either in private discussions or public declarations—did he express interest in running for the vice-presidency or aligning himself with any 2027 political arrangement.

“We wish to state unequivocally that Senator Wamakko has never at any time, publicly or privately, expressed interest in contesting for the position of vice president in the 2027 general elections, or in any political arrangement of that nature,” the statement read.

Wamakko’s response is seen as a strategic attempt to quash emerging rumours amid brewing political uncertainties within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly following reports of internal tension regarding the political future of Vice President Shettima.

APC Rift Rumours and the North-West Factor

The controversy stems partly from recent developments within the APC. During a stakeholders’ meeting of the North-East APC bloc, chaos reportedly broke out after leaders endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term without affirming support for Vice President Shettima.

This omission triggered speculations about Shettima’s standing in the 2027 power calculations, with rumours suggesting that the North-West geopolitical zone might be eyeing the vice-presidential slot should Tinubu decide to run again.

In this political context, Wamakko—a prominent figure from the North-West—was mentioned as a potential alternative to Shettima. However, his categorical denial seeks to distance himself from any alleged involvement in such permutations.

He labelled Yerima’s statement as “reckless” and “a deliberate act aimed at misleading the public.” Wamakko further called on the Kebbe council chairman to retract the statement immediately and apologise publicly to him and his family.

Presidency Dismisses Rumoured Rift

The rumours of discord between Tinubu and Shettima have also drawn a firm response from the Presidency. Officials have dismissed any claims of disunity within the executive team, reaffirming that the president’s choice of a running mate for 2027 will only be made after securing the party’s nomination at a future national convention.

Sources close to the Presidency insist that both Tinubu and Shettima remain aligned in their governance objectives and that media reports portraying otherwise are speculative and unsubstantiated.

Focus Remains on Service, Not Political Ambitions

Senator Wamakko reiterated that his current focus remains on representing the people of Sokoto North and contributing meaningfully to national discourse. He stated that his commitment is to public service through responsible leadership, not to opportunistic political ambitions.

“Let it be on record that Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko remains focused on serving the people of Sokoto State and the nation through responsible leadership and political maturity, and should not be drawn into opportunistic narratives concocted for selfish motives,” the statement read.

He also criticised media outlets for publishing politically sensitive reports without first verifying their authenticity, warning that such lapses in journalistic standards could stoke unnecessary tension and confusion.

 Clarification Amid Political Tensions

Senator Wamakko’s firm denial reflects broader efforts within the APC to stabilise internal dynamics ahead of what is expected to be a heated political run-up to 2027. With unresolved anxieties about zoning, regional representation, and succession planning, his response serves as a timely clarification, seeking to de-escalate the emerging narrative.

The Kebbe council chairman has not issued a formal response as of press time. However, the senator’s camp is expected to pursue a formal apology if the retraction is not forthcoming.

As Nigeria’s political space continues to shape the 2027 horizon, observers note that more leaders may be forced to declare or deny intentions as part of ongoing strategic alignments.