Fresh revelations have surfaced regarding the internal rift that overshadowed the All Progressives Congress (APC) North-East Zonal Consultative Meeting held on Sunday in Gombe State, pointing to deepening cracks over the future of Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Multiple party insiders have confirmed to Naijapunchnews that fierce political maneuvering and backdoor lobbying are underway among APC governors and influential stakeholders in the zone. At the heart of the dispute is a brewing opposition to Shettima's continued role as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's running mate in the next election cycle.
Zonal Power Play and the Search for a New Deputy
According to high-level party sources, some North-East APC governors and political heavyweights have expressed reservations about Shettima’s perceived passivity and his inability to rally strong support within and beyond the region. These figures, the sources said, are keen on pushing for a more assertive and politically agile representative from the zone.
“There’s this growing belief that Shettima hasn’t asserted himself enough in national discourse,” a source close to one of the governors disclosed. “Some feel he doesn’t energize the base the way a vice president should. They’re worried the Muslim-Muslim ticket might hurt the party’s chances again, especially with Christian communities still uneasy.”
Among those being quietly positioned as potential replacements are former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, who hails from Bauchi State and is a Christian, and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State. Both figures are said to be enjoying silent endorsements from certain northern political blocs seeking to reshape the APC’s 2027 strategy.
Governors Split, Consensus Collapses
Tensions reportedly peaked in the lead-up to the Gombe meeting during several closed-door strategy sessions involving governors from Borno, Yobe, and Gombe the three APC-controlled states in the North-East.
Sources said that only Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State fully backed Shettima’s return as Tinubu’s running mate. The other two governors remained non-committal, declining to sign off on a consensus endorsement.
“The original plan was to issue a joint declaration reaffirming support for Tinubu-Shettima 2027,” a former governor who attended the consultative meeting revealed. “But disagreements over Shettima’s performance and political influence derailed that plan.”
Salihu’s Omission Sparks Chaos
The growing unease exploded publicly during the consultative session when APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, voiced support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition—but notably left out any mention of Vice President Shettima.
The omission triggered an uproar. In scenes captured in now-viral footage, agitated delegates began chanting Shettima’s name, demanding his inclusion. The situation soon turned violent, with one furious attendee reportedly assaulting Salihu with a chair, while another threw a plastic container at him as security officers rushed him out of the venue.
APC Leadership Responds
In the aftermath of the chaos, APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, attempted to de-escalate the situation, describing it as politically insignificant.
“Whether intentional or not, Salihu has the right to express his political opinion,” Dalori said. “There’s no need for alarm. The unity of our party is not under threat.”
APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who was present at the event, condemned the violence and reaffirmed the constitutional unity of the presidential and vice-presidential ticket.
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Oliver Okpala, Ganduje described the incident as “regrettable and unnecessary,” emphasizing that the party would not tolerate such unruly conduct.
“President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima are constitutionally joined on one mandate,” Ganduje’s statement read. “The APC cannot afford to be torn apart by internal aggression, especially in a zone as strategic as the North-East.”
Ganduje reiterated that both leaders enjoy his full support and that the North-East remains a pivotal region in the APC’s national agenda.
“His Excellency has made it clear the unity between the President and Vice President is as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar. The party values the contributions of the North-East and will not ignore its concerns.”
No Official Decision Yet on 2027 Running Mate
Despite the intensifying speculation and infighting, party insiders confirm that no formal decision has yet been made regarding Tinubu’s 2027 running mate. However, with murmurs growing louder and regional leaders mobilizing behind potential alternatives, the issue is unlikely to fade quietly.
As political calculations continue to evolve, all eyes remain fixed on the APC’s leadership and whether a change in the party’s 2027 ticket could trigger further fragmentation or strategic renewal.
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