• 17 Jun, 2025
• Faith Kegh
• No comment

2027: Tensions in APC North-East Over Shettima’s Candidacy.

New information has surfaced about the political tensions that disrupted the All Progressives Congress (APC) North-

East Consultative Meeting in Gombe. The conflict reportedly stems from growing disagreement among North-East political leaders over the potential replacement of Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 election.

Sources revealed ongoing mistrust among governors in the region regarding Shettima’s suitability. Some critics argue that the Muslim-Muslim ticket, which brought Tinubu and Shettima to power, is no longer politically effective. Others accuse Shettima of lacking strong political presence and failing to speak up during critical national moments.

There is support within the party for alternatives such as former Speaker Yakubu Dogara or the current Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya. Although these discussions had remained mostly private, the recent Gombe meeting brought them into the open.

To manage the tension, governors from Yobe, Gombe, and Borno reportedly held multiple meetings to form a unified stance endorsing Tinubu and Shettima for re-election. However, consensus was elusive. Borno Governor Babagana Zulum supported Shettima, while Yobe and Gombe governors stayed neutral.

Despite internal disagreements, the party leadership has attempted to project unity. Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori dismissed concerns over a controversial endorsement by Mustapha Salihu, the APC’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), who publicly backed Tinubu for re-election without mentioning Shettima.

Dalori urged calm, stating that Salihu’s omission may have been unintentional and does not signal a split within the party.

In a related statement, Oliver Okpala, aide to APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, condemned the hostility at the meeting, reaffirming Ganduje’s efforts to maintain unity in the party. He emphasized that the presidential ticket remains a joint one and highlighted the importance of the North-East in APC’s political calculations.

Ganduje, during the meeting, reminded attendees that Shettima’s role as Vice President should not be undermined, stressing that both Tinubu and Shettima are constitutionally tied to the same ticket. Despite his efforts to calm tensions, resistance remained among some party members.

Faith Kegh

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