In a swift rebuttal to widespread speculation, the Presidency has firmly dismissed reports alleging that Vice President Kashim Shettima was recently denied access to the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The reports, which gained traction across obscure online platforms and social media, claimed that military personnel barred Shettima from entering the Villa—an incident the Presidency described as “false,” “mischievous,” and a calculated attempt to sow division at the topmost level of government.
The denial was contained in an official statement released on Saturday by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President). The statement, titled ‘Re: Mischievous Report On Access To The Presidential Villa By Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON’, stressed that no such incident ever occurred and labeled the narrative as entirely “fabricated.”
“This is a feeble attempt to traduce the person and office of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON. For the record, nothing of the sort ever happened,” Nkwocha stated emphatically.
According to the Presidency, the rumour is part of a broader pattern of disinformation designed to create a false impression of a rift between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice President. The fabricated report suggested that Shettima was stopped by military guards at the gate of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, implying that he was being sidelined in the corridors of power.
Nkwocha, however, said the idea was “the wildest expression of wishful thinking” and accused those behind the claim of pursuing an agenda to mislead the public and destabilize the administration.
“It is understandable, though regrettable, that the mischief-makers continue to underestimate the strength of the bond and goodwill between the President and the Vice President,” he stated.
He went on to reaffirm the Tinubu administration’s unity and sense of purpose, describing the rumour as a desperate attempt to distract the Vice President from his constitutionally assigned duties. He urged members of the public to ignore the fake news and challenged media outlets to verify their information through official and credible sources before publication.
This denial marks the second time in the week that the Presidency has had to address false narratives circulating in the media space. Earlier, it had debunked claims surrounding purported campaign posters bearing Tinubu’s image, allegedly hinting at an early campaign for the 2027 general elections. That report, like the most recent one, was dismissed as unfounded and sensationalist.
The recent incident has sparked renewed discussions around the growing trend of fake news and misinformation in Nigeria’s digital media landscape, with political analysts warning of its potential to fuel unnecessary tension.
Aso Villa insiders who spoke under the condition of anonymity corroborated the Presidency’s statement, describing the claims as “laughable” and “completely divorced from reality.” One aide said, “The Vice President has been carrying out his responsibilities without any hindrance. He has attended briefings, chaired meetings, and represented the President when necessary. There’s no sign of tension whatsoever between them.”
Vice President Shettima, a former Governor of Borno State, has been visible in the public space, representing President Tinubu at major events both within and outside the country, including economic summits and high-level diplomatic engagements. His recent activities include visits to key project sites, economic forums, and ongoing efforts to bolster food security and infrastructural development.
Reacting to the viral claims, several political stakeholders and commentators have urged Nigerians to be vigilant against disinformation campaigns, especially those intended to undermine the credibility of national leaders.
Dr. Kabir Muktar, a political analyst and lecturer at the University of Abuja, warned that “falsehoods like these are not only dangerous but capable of eroding public trust in democratic institutions. The media and the public must be discerning in separating facts from fiction.”
As the administration continues to navigate the challenges of governance, observers believe that maintaining transparency, cohesion, and timely communication remains vital to countering the growing menace of fake news.
The Presidency, through its spokesperson, assured Nigerians that the Tinubu-Shettima partnership remains solid and focused on delivering on its Renewed Hope Agenda. It called on patriotic citizens to support the administration in achieving stability, unity, and economic recovery.