By George Ozalla
A stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State descended into chaos on Sunday following the conspicuous exclusion of Vice President Kashim Shettima from a public endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
The North-East zonal gathering, attended by senior party officials, including APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, federal ministers, governors, and lawmakers, was intended as a show of unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, proceedings took a turbulent turn when Comrade Mustapha Salihu, the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), issued a joint endorsement of President Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate, notably omitting any mention of Vice President Shettima.
“We in the North-East unanimously endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term,” Salihu declared amid applause. “The region is solidly behind his leadership and accomplishments.”
The omission sparked immediate unrest among delegates loyal to Shettima, a key political figure from Borno State and a Muslim leader from Nigeria’s northeastern political stronghold. Shouts of “What about Shettima?” quickly erupted from the crowd, escalating into heated exchanges and physical confrontations. Television footage captured scenes of chaos as some delegates attempted to storm the podium, hurling chairs and objects toward Salihu. Security personnel intervened swiftly, escorting Salihu out of the venue to restore order.
In an effort to pacify the agitated crowd, Deputy National Chairman (North), Bukar Dalori, stepped forward to deliver a conciliatory message. “Let me be clear,” Dalori said firmly. “The ticket that brought us success in 2023 is the ticket we believe can deliver again in 2027 — that is Tinubu and Shettima, together.” Although Dalori’s statement was met with moderate applause, tensions remained palpable throughout the venue.
The atmosphere worsened again when APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje took the stage. Despite a lengthy address praising the party’s vision and Tinubu’s leadership, Ganduje once again failed to mention Vice President Shettima’s role or candidacy. This omission reignited the crowd’s anger, with chants and boos echoing across the hall. Faced with mounting hostility, Ganduje abruptly ended his speech and was escorted from the venue under tight security as delegates surged forward in protest. The meeting was subsequently cut short, unable to contain the growing discord.
This incident intensifies speculation of a campaign within APC circles to replace Shettima on the 2027 ticket. Political analysts suggest the move could be aimed at selecting a Christian northerner as running mate to balance the religious dynamics of the presidential ticket. Such a strategy may be designed to appeal to a broader electorate, especially considering the Muslim-Muslim ticket fielded in 2023 sparked controversy and backlash.
Among the names emerging as potential alternatives is former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara. Though Dogara has not made any public declaration, sources indicate his candidacy is gaining traction within certain northern political blocs. With Nigeria grappling with an unraveling economy and rising poverty levels, political observers warn that repeating a Muslim-Muslim ticket could prove a risky gamble for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The unfolding drama in Gombe underscores the complex interplay of religion, regional interests, and party politics shaping Nigeria’s electoral landscape as the countdown to 2027 continues.
