The All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing internal turmoil following speculations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the 2027 general election. Though the poll is two years away, the alleged move has triggered fierce opposition, especially within the North-East wing of the party.
A stakeholders’ meeting held in Gombe State on Sunday, meant to reaffirm support for Tinubu’s re-election, descended into chaos when the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, failed to mention Shettima in his endorsement speech. His omission angered delegates, particularly from Borno State, who began chanting "Shettima!" repeatedly and disrupted the event. A viral video showed Salihu being attacked with a chair and a plastic bucket as he fled the stage.
Eyewitnesses reported that chairs were hurled and security personnel had to intervene to control the escalating violence. Despite efforts by Deputy National Chairman (North), Alhaji Bukar Dalori, to calm the crowd, the situation worsened.
“It’s an insult that our son, the Vice President, was not mentioned. We’ll resist any plot to sideline Shettima,” a Borno delegate fumed. Governors from the North-East — Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Babagana Zulum (Borno), and Muhammadu Yahaya (Gombe) — had earlier endorsed the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, reinforcing support for the joint candidacy.
Tensions further intensified when APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, in his closing remarks, praised Tinubu’s leadership but did not explicitly endorse Shettima. Although Ganduje acknowledged the North-East’s contribution and praised the Vice President’s role, his vague phrasing failed to ease tensions. Delegates again erupted, chanting, “No Shettima, no APC in the North-East,” with some threatening to defect to the opposition if Shettima is dropped.
“If Shettima is dropped, I’ll lead my people to support Atiku,” a chieftain from Adamawa warned.
The meeting ended abruptly, with dignitaries, including former and serving governors, senators, and ministers, exiting the venue amidst chaos. Outside, police used teargas to disperse the angry crowd.
Observers see the unrest as a sign of deeper fractures within the APC, particularly in the North-East, where Shettima enjoys strong grassroots backing. James Abass, an eyewitness, noted, “This is not just a misunderstanding — it signals internal divisions that could spark defections or create a counter-movement.”
While some insiders claimed Gombe Governor Yahaya quietly opposed the joint ticket, others, including Hon. Usman Kumo, Senator M.T. Monguno, and NWC members like Dalori and Zainab Ibrahim, publicly backed the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. Only Salihu reportedly voiced opposition.
APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, dismissed claims that Shettima might be dropped, calling them distractions. “There’s a solid working relationship between Tinubu and Shettima. These are just political noises,” he told DIP CONNECT . He also affirmed there were no signs from Tinubu suggesting discomfort with his Vice President.
Similarly, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, said he was unaware of any plot to replace Shettima.
The controversy follows a wave of endorsements for Tinubu’s sole candidacy by 22 APC governors, National Assembly leaders, and party officials during the APC National Summit in Abuja. Governor Hope Uzodimma moved the motion, seconded by Governor Uba Sani, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas gave legislative backing.
However, the endorsements sparked concerns among Shettima’s supporters. Delegates from Borno, led by Usman Aliyu, Director-General of the Great Green Wall, alleged a hidden agenda to exclude Shettima, saying, “This is a slap on our faces. We expect unity.” He confirmed that a communiqué would be issued to affirm Tinubu and Shettima’s candidacy.
Aliyu also expressed concern over Governor Yahaya’s silence during the event. “We expected him to openly endorse Shettima, but he didn’t. This suggests a hidden agenda,” he said.
Though Ganduje didn’t clearly restate his support for the joint ticket during the meeting, sources insist he has always maintained that Tinubu and Shettima are inseparable.
Meanwhile, APC’s Sokoto chapter has yet to take an official position, but a top official assured collaboration with the national leadership on the party’s 2027 strategy.
The presidency and APC leadership continue to dismiss the rumours, urging unity and caution as the party prepares for the 2027 election amid growing internal rifts.
ADEOLA KUNLE
