NEWS LEVERAGE

The Presidency has firmly debunked recent reports suggesting that Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, was denied access to the Presidential Villa, describing them as false, mischievous, and a deliberate attempt to sow discord at the highest levels of government.

In a press statement released on April 19, 2025, Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), slammed the claims as “a feeble attempt to traduce the person and office” of the Vice President. He emphasized that “nothing of the sort ever happened.”

The statement described the story which originated from little-known blogs and alleged the presence of armed military units blocking the Vice President as “the wildest expression of wishful thinking” and “a tale far removed from reality.” It further warned the public against giving credence to such “fabricated reports” which seek to mislead and create a false sense of conflict within the Presidency.

This clarification comes on the heels of similar false reports earlier in the week involving campaign posters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The Presidency noted that these repeated attempts to stir controversy are baseless and aimed at undermining the strong working relationship between the President and Vice President.

“The Vice President remains focused on his constitutional duties and continues to support the President in delivering on the aspirations of Nigerians,” Nkwocha stated, adding that Shettima will not be distracted by what he termed a “media circus born of mischief.”

The statement concluded with appreciation to Nigerians for their ongoing support and a call for responsible journalism. It urged the media to rely on credible sources and avoid sensationalism that could mislead the public and damage the fabric of national unity.