No “Drama” at the Villa: Shettima Not Denied Entry – Presidency Fires Back

The Presidency has dismissed as false and mischievous a recent media report alleging that Vice President Kashim Shettima was denied access to the Presidential Villa. In a strongly worded statement issued Saturday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), the report was described as “totally fabricated” and part of a broader campaign of disinformation.

According to Nkwocha, the story—circulated by what he called “obscure blogs”—was a deliberate attempt to create friction within the top ranks of government. “The latest in this string of disinformation is a report claiming that the Vice President has been refused entry to the Villa. For the record, nothing of the sort ever happened,” the statement clarified.

The presidency said the claim that armed military personnel blocked Shettima’s entry was “the wildest expression of wishful thinking,” insisting that the Vice President continues to perform his duties without interruption and remains committed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“Shettima does not have the luxury of time for distractions, particularly those born of the imagination of individuals intent on creating smoke where there is no fire,” Nkwocha stated.

The rebuttal comes amid growing concerns over the spread of fake news targeting high-ranking officials. Earlier in the week, the Presidency also denied reports involving campaign posters of President Tinubu, calling them baseless and politically driven.

Nkwocha reaffirmed the strength of the bond between the President and his Vice, dismissing attempts to suggest division as futile. “It is understandable, though regrettable, that the mischief-makers continue to underestimate the strength of the bond and goodwill between the President and the Vice President.”

He also thanked Nigerians for their continued support and vigilance in fighting misinformation, calling on media practitioners to seek out credible sources before publishing sensational claims.

“No amount of falsehood or manufactured tension can shake the foundation of the democratic mandate that brought this government to power,” the statement concluded.