The Presidency has debunked circulating rumours that Vice President Kashim Shettima was recently prevented from entering the Presidential Villa in Abuja, labelling the allegations as entirely fictitious and misleading.
A statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), firmly dismissed the report, attributing it to malicious efforts aimed at creating tension within the presidency.
The viral claim, traced to unverified online sources, alleged that military operatives had blocked the Vice President from accessing the seat of power. Nkwocha described this assertion as a fabrication lacking any basis in reality.
He criticised the intent behind the story, stating that it was part of a broader campaign to fuel public suspicion and portray an imaginary fallout between President Bola Tinubu and his deputy.
“It is a pity that some individuals remain committed to spreading falsehood, hoping to strain the strong working relationship between the President and Vice President,” Nkwocha said in the statement.
The Presidency further noted that this was not the first instance of such misinformation. A similar rumour, involving campaign posters allegedly linked to the presidency, had also been circulated earlier in the week and subsequently dismissed.
Nkwocha urged the media to uphold professionalism by verifying stories before publication, warning that repeated reliance on falsehoods could undermine public trust in journalism.
He also reassured Nigerians that Vice President Shettima continues to carry out his duties with focus and commitment, undeterred by distractions from what he described as “agents of disunity.”
The statement concluded by encouraging citizens to disregard unsubstantiated reports and focus on the administration’s efforts to deliver on its mandate.
