Tension in APC as Rift Over Shettima’s 2027 Role Sparks Violence at North-East Meeting
Although the 2027 general election is still two years away, an alleged plot to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate has caused deep divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in the North-East.
A stakeholders’ meeting convened in Gombe on Sunday ended in chaos after supporters of the Vice President clashed with Mustapha Salihu, the APC’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), accusing him of attempting to sideline Shettima from the proposed 2027 ticket.
A viral video captured a moment of violence during the meeting, showing a furious delegate hitting Salihu with a plastic chair while others hurled objects, including a bucket, as security struggled to maintain order.
The meeting, held at the Gombe International Conference Centre, was originally intended to reaffirm support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid. However, tensions erupted when Salihu, in his speech, endorsed Tinubu without mentioning Shettima as his running mate.
“We have no reason not to support this party after all the appointments and responsibilities we’ve been given by this administration,” Salihu said. “We reaffirm the earlier endorsement by the National Working Committee—Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is our sole presidential candidate for 2027.”
The omission sparked chants of “Shettima! Shettima!!” from angry delegates. One Borno delegate, enraged by the perceived snub, confronted Salihu on stage, escalating the situation into physical violence that halted proceedings.
Eyewitnesses reported that chairs were thrown and the hall descended into chaos, prompting the intervention of security forces. Efforts by the Deputy National Chairman (North), Alhaji Bukar Dalori, to calm the delegates proved ineffective.
“This is a calculated insult to the North-East,” one Borno delegate fumed. “Our own son, the Vice President, wasn’t even acknowledged. We won’t tolerate this betrayal.”
Before the disruption, North-East governors—Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Babagana Zulum (Borno), and Gombe’s Muhammadu Yahaya—had publicly endorsed the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. Yahaya declared, “The North-East stands solidly behind President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. Their leadership gives hope to the region.”
However, party tensions deepened when APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, in his closing speech, also failed to clearly affirm Shettima’s inclusion on the 2027 ticket.
“We need unity more than ever,” Ganduje said. “This region delivered 1.2 million votes in 2023; in 2027, we expect triple that. We have a progressive President and we’re proud of his Vice President. It’s one ticket under the Constitution.”
Despite his remarks, many delegates remained dissatisfied, continuing to chant “No Shettima, no APC in the North-East,” with some even threatening to support opposition leader Atiku Abubakar if Shettima is dropped.
“If Shettima is removed, I will lead my people to vote for Atiku,” one angry party chieftain from Adamawa vowed.
Amid the unrest, key figures—governors, lawmakers, and ministers—were forced to exit the venue abruptly, and police fired teargas to disperse the angry crowd outside.
An eyewitness, James Abass, described the fracas as evidence of deepening fractures within the ruling party: “This is more than a misunderstanding. If not addressed, it could lead to mass defections or a rival movement.”
A source close to the meeting said most APC leaders from the region supported the joint ticket. Gombe’s House of Representatives Chief Whip, Usman Kumo, endorsed the Tinubu-Shettima ticket on behalf of the North-East House caucus, while Senator M.T. Monguno did the same for the Senate.
Among the four APC National Working Committee members from the region—Bukar Dalori, Mohammad Kumo, Zainab Ibrahim, and Abubakar Maikafi—only Mustapha Salihu was accused of opposing the joint ticket.
Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, APC’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), dismissed the notion of a rift between Tinubu and Shettima as baseless speculation. “This is the first I’m hearing of it,” he said. “There’s a strong working relationship between the President and Vice President. These are distractions.”
He added, “People often speculate in politics, especially when their interests feel threatened. But there’s no indication—by word or action—that the President intends to part ways with his Vice President.”
Similarly, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, responded briefly, saying, “I’m not aware, sir.”
Rumours of a shakeup in the ticket began after 22 APC governors and top party leaders recently endorsed President Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate for 2027, a move initiated by Progressive Governors’ Forum Chair and Imo Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and seconded by Kaduna Governor, Uba Sani.
The Senate President and Speaker of the House also backed the endorsement on behalf of the National Assembly, with Ganduje affirming the National Working Committee’s support.
While the move was met with jubilation in some party quarters, it has stirred discontent within the North-East, where Shettima remains a political heavyweight.
A delegate from Borno and Director-General of the state’s Great Green Wall, Usman Aliyu, criticized Salihu’s speech: “This is a slap in the face. We won’t tolerate this kind of disrespect.”
Aliyu revealed plans for a communiqué to reaffirm support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, noting that the omission contradicts the sentiments expressed by Borno’s governor and other regional leaders.
He also raised concerns about the silence of Gombe Governor Inuwa Yahaya, the APC North-East Governors’ Forum Chair, who stopped short of endorsing Shettima.
“We expected him to be clearer, but he only praised the administration and Renewed Hope Agenda without mentioning the VP,” Aliyu said.
He concluded by defending Ganduje, stating, “Ganduje has consistently said the President and VP are one ticket—even if he wasn’t explicit this time.”
The Sokoto State APC Chairman, Isa Acida, declined to comment, but a senior party official confirmed the chapter has yet to take a formal stance on the controversy.
“Rest assured, we’ll align with the national headquarters on the choice of candidates,” the official said.