Tensions erupt at APC North-East meeting over Shettima’s 2027 fate as supporters clash and leaders scramble to contain the fallout.
A political storm is shaking Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress, as speculations over Vice President Kashim Shettima’s fate in the 2027 presidential race sparked outrage and violence at a North-East stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe.
The tension erupted after APC’s National Vice Chairman for the North-East, Mustapha Salihu, endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term—without mentioning Shettima. The omission triggered angry chants of “Shettima! Shettima!!” before the meeting descended into chaos. Salihu was physically attacked on stage, forcing security agents to intervene.
The situation worsened when APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, also failed to acknowledge the Vice President in his remarks, fuelling suspicion that Shettima may be replaced on the 2027 ticket.
In response, top party leaders, including Deputy National Chairman Ali Dalori, moved swiftly to reassure members that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket remains intact and “non-negotiable.”
But the backlash continues to reverberate, with threats from North-East delegates to abandon the APC if Shettima is dropped.
Former Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu has warned the party not to tamper with what he called a “winning team,” insisting the move could backfire.
Meanwhile, Salihu, who survived the attack, said only the presidential candidate has the constitutional power to select a running mate and denied deliberately excluding Shettima from his remarks.
With rising tensions and rumours of internal realignment, analysts say the party faces a crucial test of unity ahead of 2027.
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