Tensions are rising within Nigeria’s ruling party as internal cracks emerge over the 2027 presidential election. Despite being two years away, the Tinubu-Shettima ticket is already facing fierce resistance from within the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in the North-East zone.
At a stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe State on Sunday, a violent clash broke out after the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu, failed to acknowledge Vice President Kashim Shettima in his endorsement speech for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid. The omission sparked outrage among delegates, who accused Salihu of plotting to sideline Shettima from the 2027 race.
A video from the scene showed chaos erupting as angry supporters chanted “Shettima! Shettima!!” before physically attacking Salihu. He was struck with a chair and pelted with objects while trying to flee the stage. Security forces had to intervene as chairs were flung and the crowd became uncontrollable.
Deepening Rifts Over 2027 Ticket
The event, initially meant to unite party members behind Tinubu’s second term, instead exposed a growing rift within the APC over Shettima’s place on the ticket. Delegates and political figures from the North-East, Shettima’s stronghold, were furious at what they viewed as a calculated attempt to edge him out.
“It’s an insult to the entire region that our own son, the Vice President, was not even mentioned,” said a delegate from Borno State.
“We will resist it with everything we have.”
Another chieftain from Adamawa warned bluntly:
“If Shettima is dropped, I will personally lead my people to vote for Atiku Abubakar.”
Conflicting Signals from Party Leaders
Despite the backlash, several top APC figures — including Governor Babagana Zulum (Borno), Governor Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Governor Muhammadu Yahaya (Gombe) — expressed support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in their speeches before the chaos.
Notably, four of the five National Working Committee (NWC) members from the North-East also backed the joint ticket, including:
- Ali Bukar Dalori (Deputy National Chairman, North)
- Mohammad Kumo (Deputy Financial Secretary)
- Zainab Ibrahim (Deputy Women Leader)
- Abubakar Maikafi (National Auditor)
Salihu, however, remained the lone voice opposing the endorsement.
Police Intervention & Fallout
As dignitaries rushed out of the disrupted venue, police fired teargas to control the agitated crowd outside. According to eyewitness James Abass, the incident highlighted “serious internal divisions” that could lead to defections or rebellion within the APC if not quickly addressed.
Party Reacts: “No Rift” Claim
Amid the uproar, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), dismissed reports of discord between Tinubu and Shettima:
“There’s a solid working relationship between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. These rumours are just political noise meant to create division.”
What This Means
- The violence signals tensions within APC ranks, especially in regions that view Shettima as a key political figure.
- If unresolved, this could weaken party cohesion and empower opposition parties like the PDP in 2027.
- Shettima’s exclusion from the 2027 ticket — even as a rumour — could ignite broader Northern resentment.
