The Presidency has dismissed as false and malicious the viral reports suggesting that Vice President Kashim Shettima was barred from entering the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The report, which gained traction on various online platforms, implied a deteriorating relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his deputy, but the Presidency has described such claims as “totally fabricated”.
Reacting to the publication, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, issued a firm denial, labelling the story “the wildest expression of wishful thinking.”
According to Nkwocha, the rumour was not only baseless but also a deliberate attempt by mischief-makers to mislead the public and incite political tension within the leadership of the country.
“Nothing could be further from the truth,” Nkwocha said in a statement released in Abuja. “There is no iota of conflict between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. They enjoy a strong working relationship built on mutual respect and shared vision for Nigeria.”
Nkwocha further explained that the vice president continues to attend all official functions at the Villa and remains actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the government. “He has been present at every high-level meeting, including the Federal Executive Council sessions and recent strategic security briefings,” he added.
The rumour, which first appeared on an anonymous blog and was later amplified on social media, claimed that Shettima was turned away at the gate of Aso Rock over undisclosed political disagreements. However, fact-checks by independent news outlets have found no evidence to support such claims.
The Vice President was seen at the Villa earlier this week, attending the launch of a policy initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity.
Political analysts believe the circulation of such reports may be part of a broader campaign to destabilize the administration and create the perception of internal crisis. Observers have cautioned the public to be wary of consuming unverified content, especially in a time of heightened political activity and economic reforms.
The relationship between Tinubu and Shettima has been generally seen as cordial since their joint victory in the 2023 general elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Both leaders have often appeared together at public events, including international engagements and national policy rollouts.
The Presidency has urged the media and members of the public to focus on the administration’s priorities and avoid distractions that could derail its agenda.
