The Presidency has strongly refuted claims circulating on social media alleging that Vice President Kashim Shettima was denied access to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), described the reports as “fabricated” and “mischievous,” adding that they were intended to mislead the public and create the false impression of a rift between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.
“There is absolutely no truth to the report that the Vice President was barred from entering the Villa,” Nkwocha stated. “This is a feeble and malicious attempt to attack the image and integrity of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON.”
The report in question, which was published by unnamed online blogs, alleged that military personnel had blocked the Vice President’s entry into the seat of power. However, the Presidency described the claims as “the wildest expression of wishful thinking.”
Nkwocha said the publication was another episode in a series of disinformation campaigns aimed at causing division within the federal government. “It is regrettable that some individuals continue to underestimate the deep bond and mutual respect shared by the President and his deputy,” he said.
He also pointed to a recent similar falsehood involving alleged campaign posters bearing President Tinubu’s image, which the Presidency had earlier debunked.
“The Vice President remains committed to his constitutional responsibilities and will not be swayed by distractions born out of sheer imagination,” Nkwocha added. He urged the public to ignore such misleading stories and encouraged journalists to verify information from credible sources.
“No amount of falsehood can undermine the strength and unity of this administration,” he concluded.
