A major political rift has emerged in Nigeria’s North-East following a controversial endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term — notably excluding Vice President Kashim Shettima from the conversation.
The drama unfolded at an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday in Gombe State, where the party’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, declared President Tinubu as the party’s unopposed candidate for the 2027 elections. However, his omission of Vice President Shettima — a prominent figure from Borno State in the same North-East region — ignited outrage among party loyalists.
The meeting descended into chaos as furious delegates protested Salihu’s remarks, with some reportedly threatening physical confrontation. Security operatives were forced to swiftly escort Salihu out of the venue.
An attempt by Deputy National Chairman (North), Bukar Dalori, to calm tensions by including Shettima in his endorsement speech did little to pacify the delegates.
The situation escalated further when APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, also endorsed President Tinubu’s second-term bid — again without any mention of Shettima. His comments were met with uproar, and he too had to be escorted out under tight security as the event ended abruptly.
The incident has sparked speculation over a potential rift within the ruling party, particularly in the North-East bloc, where Shettima commands strong influence. Observers are questioning whether the omission was a calculated political move or an unfortunate oversight with serious implications for party unity.
The APC leadership has yet to issue an official response regarding the controversy.
