No Shettima, No Northeast Votes for APC in 2027 — Zulum Warns Amid Rumours of VP Replacement
His silence on Shettima's fate drew immediate outrage from the crowd, prompting verbal abuse and near-physical assault, forcing security operatives to whisk him away for his safety.
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No Shettima, No Northeast Votes for APC in 2027 — Zulum Warns Amid Rumours of VP Replacement
Tensions flared within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday following reports of internal rifts over a possible plan to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, issued a stern warning to the party, stating unequivocally that the North-East would not support the APC if Shettima is sidelined.
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The warning came after a high-level APC consultative meeting in Gombe ended in chaos, marred by physical altercations and shouting matches. The meeting, convened to consolidate regional support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027, was attended by top political figures from the North-East, including Governors Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe). APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ali Bukar Dalori were also present, along with thousands of party loyalists.
Tensions reached a boiling point when Comrade Mustapha Salihu, APC’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), gave a speech endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election—but pointedly omitted any mention of Vice President Shettima.
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His silence on Shettima’s fate drew immediate outrage from the crowd, prompting verbal abuse and near-physical assault, forcing security operatives to whisk him away for his safety.
Eyewitnesses reported that party delegates expressed strong dissatisfaction with what they perceived as an intentional slight, with some accusing Salihu of undermining the region’s political representation.
Governor Zulum, addressing the unrest, made his position clear: “Let me be frank — if there is any attempt to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima, we in the North-East will reconsider our commitment to the APC. Our support is not unconditional. Shettima is not just a political figure; he represents the pride and aspirations of our people.”
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Despite the disruption, the meeting proceeded with formal endorsements, and Governor Zulum used his platform to applaud the achievements of the Tinubu-Shettima administration, citing progress in healthcare, education, youth and women empowerment, and economic growth.
However, the dust has not yet settled. The incident has laid bare the internal fractures within the APC, especially concerning regional representation and the delicate power balance ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analysts suggest that the growing tensions could hurt APC’s chances in the North-East, a region that was instrumental in securing victory in 2023.
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“The North-East has been a reliable bloc for the APC,” said political commentator Abdulrahman Musa. “Ignoring the sentiments there, especially regarding Shettima, could prove to be a costly mistake.”
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