…Sparks tensions around VP’s omission
A high-level meeting of All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in the North-East geo-political zone ended in chaos yesterday, after a controversial endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term failed to acknowledge Vice-President Kashim Shettima, a prominent son of the region.
Held in Gombe State, the gathering brought together key APC figures including ministers, governors, lawmakers, and national party leaders. Tensions flared when APC’s National Vice-Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, openly declared support for Tinubu’s re-election bid without mentioning Shettima, triggering outrage among delegates.
Eyewitnesses reported that party loyalists began hurling insults and threatened physical confrontation, prompting security operatives to swiftly escort Salihu out of the venue.
Efforts to restore calm were led by Deputy National Chairman (North), Bukar Dalori, who issued a reconciliatory statement endorsing both Tinubu and Shettima for a joint ticket. However, the charged atmosphere persisted, and Dalori too had to be removed from the hall under security protection.
The situation further deteriorated when APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje also backed Tinubu’s re-election – once again omitting Shettima. This repeated slight intensified tempers and effectively brought the meeting to a chaotic end.
Observers say the uproar highlights growing sensitivities over regional representation and internal power dynamics within the APC as the 2027 general elections draw closer. An attendee, Ɗanburam Ɗanladi, remarked that the episode underscores “the deepening tension and political jockeying taking shape ahead of the next polls”.
Despite the unrest, Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni praised the party’s zonal initiative for providing a platform to assess progress and unity. “From the First Republic till date, the North-East has remained a strong political bloc”, Buni said, noting the zone’s legacy of national figures such as Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Sir Kashim Ibrahim.
Buni emphasised the need for unity and inclusion, urging APC stakeholders to uphold the party’s legacy and promote internal cohesion. He also commended the APC’s ten years of dominance, attributing its longevity to “strategic planning, focused leadership, and a sense of belonging for members”.
“We must continue to support the national government under the able leadership of President Tinubu and work together to consolidate our gains as Africa’s largest political party”, Buni added.
