Tension erupts as Ganduje, APC North-East leaders endorse Tinubu without Shettima

A meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in the North-East ended in chaos on Sunday after key party figures endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term but conspicuously failed to acknowledge Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Held in Gombe State, the high-profile gathering was attended by APC governors, ministers, lawmakers, and other top party members from the region. Among the attendees was the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Trouble began when Comrade Mustapha Salihu, the APC’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), endorsed President Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 election but made no reference to Vice President Shettima, who hails from Borno State — a key part of the region.

His omission sparked immediate outrage. Some delegates erupted in protest, shouting and threatening violence. Salihu had to be quickly escorted out of the venue by security personnel to avoid a physical confrontation.

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In an attempt to defuse the escalating tensions, Deputy National Chairman (North), Bukar Dalori, later stepped up to reaffirm support for both Tinubu and Shettima as a joint ticket.

However, tensions reignited when Ganduje delivered his own address. Despite speaking for nearly 10 minutes, he also failed to mention Shettima, triggering another wave of anger among delegates. Like Salihu, Ganduje was whisked away under tight security as the event descended into disarray.

The meeting was ultimately cut short, with stakeholders visibly divided over the perceived slight against the Vice President. The incident has raised concerns about growing cracks within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.