The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s North-East has clarified why Vice President Kashim Shettima’s name was not mentioned during the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Arise News, Mustapha Salihu, the North-East Zonal Chairman of the APC, explained that it is customary for a presidential candidate to announce their running mate.
This, he said, was why the zone’s endorsement focused solely on President Tinubu during the meeting held on Sunday in Gombe State.
At the zonal gathering, party leaders publicly declared support for Tinubu’s re-election bid but left out any mention of Shettima, sparking speculation and a rowdy atmosphere during the session.
The incident added fuel to existing concerns over the vice president’s political future, particularly after similar omissions at the APC National Summit held at the Presidential Villa last month.
Salihu, however, maintained that Shettima was acknowledged in the official communique he read, saying, “He is our son, and this is a joint ticket. But it is tradition for the principal candidate to name his running mate.”
The meeting was attended by key APC figures, including National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje; governors Babagana Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe); as well as federal ministers, lawmakers, and other party stakeholders from the North-East.
Zulum: North-East APC endorsed Tinubu-Shettima ticket for 2027
Kano APC spokesperson, Ahmad Aruwa, also dismissed reports that Ganduje was protested against at the meeting for not mentioning Shettima. He said the party chairman was calmly escorted to his car and that the omission of Shettima’s name was not unusual.
“This is not the first time his name was omitted. It happened during endorsements by both the Senate and House of Representatives, and there was no outcry,” Aruwa said.
“There’s no official indication that Shettima will be dropped from the 2027 ticket. These rumors are being fueled by political opponents, particularly the Kwankwasiyya movement in Kano, due to Shettima’s growing engagement in the region.”
He reaffirmed that when the time is right, both Tinubu and Shettima will be confirmed for the 2027 race.
Meanwhile, Oliver Okpala, Senior Special Assistant on Enlightenment to APC National Chairman Ganduje, condemned the disruption at the Gombe meeting, labeling it as thuggery and political irresponsibility.
He urged party members to embrace civility and avoid divisive actions that could destabilize the party and nation.
Okpala warned that such political unrest has historical consequences, referencing the crisis in the Western Region during the First Republic which contributed to national instability.
“Dr. Ganduje has been a unifying figure in the party, maintaining strong relationships with both the president and vice president,” he said.
“At the meeting, he clearly stated that the presidency is a joint ticket and that the North-East is well represented at the highest level of government.
“Unfortunately, some individuals refused to listen and allowed emotions to override reason.”
He concluded by calling on party members to resolve grievances with maturity and uphold the integrity of the APC ahead of 2027.
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