The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed reports alleging that Vice President Kashim Shettima was barred from accessing the Presidential Villa in Abuja by armed military units. Describing the reports as "mischievous propaganda," the Presidency stated that the claims are entirely fabricated and intended to create discord between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.
Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, issued a statement emphasizing that the reports are part of a deliberate and well-planned effort to spread falsehoods against the Vice President and his office. Nkwocha asserted that the reports are aimed at misleading the public into believing there is a clash within the Presidency, but that "nothing of the sort ever happened."
Nkwocha condemned the reports as the "wildest expression of wishful thinking," and stated that the fabrications are so far removed from reality that they can only be entertained by those unfamiliar with the inner workings of the Nigerian government. He further dismissed similar fake news regarding responsibility for the circulation of campaign posters bearing the images of President Tinubu, stating that these stories reflect a desperate attempt to undermine the President and his Deputy’s fidelity to the rule of law and the constitution.
The Presidency commended Nigerians who continue to express goodwill towards the administration and fight the spread of fake news, while also urging the public to disregard malicious publications and the media to seek information from credible sources.
