Senator Aliyu Wamakko, who represents Sokoto North in the Senate, has dismissed reports suggesting he is eyeing the vice presidency in the 2027 elections.
The reaction follows a statement allegedly made by the Chairman of Kebbe Local Government Area, Abdullahi Yerima, linking Wamakko to a possible 2027 vice-presidential bid.
In a statement shared on Sunday by his media aide, Abdallah el-Kurebe, the former Sokoto State governor described the claims as completely false, unauthorized, and politically motivated.
Wamakko made it clear that he has never at any point expressed any interest in contesting for vice president or any other political office in 2027.
His statement comes amid growing political speculation within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) about the future of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
A recent meeting of the party’s North-East stakeholders turned chaotic after they endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election without mentioning Shettima, sparking talk that the North-West might be angling to put forward a replacement.
The Presidency has since denied any rift between Tinubu and Shettima, saying the president will make his choice of running mate only after securing the party’s nomination.
Reacting to the claims on Sunday, Wamakko firmly distanced himself from any such political maneuvering.
“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.
“Any insinuation or claim to that effect is false, baseless, and highly irresponsible,” the statement read.
Wamakko also accused Yerima of trying to mislead the public and drag him into unnecessary political drama.
He demanded that the Kebbe chairman withdraw the statement and issue a public apology to him and his family.
“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.
Wamakko’s office also urged the media to be more responsible and to verify information before publishing unconfirmed political claims.
KanyiDaily recalls that Mustapha Salihu, the APC National Vice Chairman for the North-East, recently explained why he endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 election without mentioning Vice President Kashim Shettima.