Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, has dismissed reports suggesting he is nursing a vice presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on Sunday and signed by his media aide, Abdallah el-Kurebe, the former governor of Sokoto State described the claims as false, unauthorized, and politically motivated.
The clarification follows comments credited to the Chairman of Kebbe Local Government Area, Abdullahi Yerima, and published by a national newspaper (not The PUNCH), which linked Wamakko to the 2027 vice presidential race.
The senator, who is also the Sarkin Yamman Sokoto, said he has never, at any point—publicly or privately—expressed interest in contesting for the position of vice president or any similar role in the next election cycle.
“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.
“Any insinuation or claim to that effect is false, baseless, and highly irresponsible.”
Wamakko also described Yerima’s comments as a reckless attempt to mislead the public and drag his name into unnecessary political speculation.
He called on the Kebbe council chairman to immediately retract his statement and tender a public apology to him and his family.
His rebuttal comes amid growing speculation within the All Progressives Congress APC about the future of Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 political equation.
A recent meeting of North East APC stakeholders reportedly ended in controversy after participants endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term without mentioning Shettima.
This development fueled rumors that the North West was strategizing to present a replacement for the vice president.
However, the Presidency has since dismissed claims of a rift between Tinubu and Shettima, emphasizing that the president’s choice of running mate will only be known after he formally accepts the party’s nomination at a future convention.
Reaffirming his focus, Wamakko’s statement noted, “Let it be on record that Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko remains committed to serving the people of Sokoto State and the nation through responsible leadership and political maturity. He should not be drawn into opportunistic narratives concocted for selfish motives.”