Push to Replace Shettima Gains Momentum as Northern APC Governors, North-East Power Brokers Oppose VP’s Return

Push to Replace Shettima Gains Momentum as Northern APC Governors, North-East Power Brokers Oppose VP’s Return

 

 

 

Tensions are rising within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as deepening divisions emerge over Vice President Kashim Shettima’s political future ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

At the heart of the storm is a growing push by some Northern APC governors and influential power brokers from the North-East to replace Shettima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate.

 

Fresh details have surfaced following the fracas that disrupted the APC North-East Zonal Consultative Meeting held in Gombe State on Sunday. What was expected to be a show of unity quickly turned chaotic, exposing internal rifts and raising questions about Shettima’s standing within the ruling party.

 

Divided House Over 2027 Ticket

 

Credible sources within the APC reveal that a silent rebellion is brewing among some North-East governors and stakeholders who are increasingly uncomfortable with Shettima’s potential return on the 2027 presidential ticket. Their concerns are reportedly centered on the continued use of the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket and what some insiders describe as Shettima’s perceived political passivity.

 

“Some of them consider him a dull politician who has failed to speak up when it mattered most,” one high-ranking party source told Vanguard. “They feel the zone deserves a more active and visible representative.”

 

Prominent figures such as former Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya are being quietly considered as possible replacements. Both are believed to enjoy the support of influential northern blocs seeking a shift in political dynamics ahead of the next election cycle.

 

Governors Fail to Reach Consensus

 

Behind-the-scenes meetings held prior to the Gombe gathering reportedly ended in a stalemate. Governors from the APC-controlled states of Borno, Gombe, and Yobe were unable to agree on a unified position regarding Shettima’s future.

 

Only Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum was said to have thrown his weight behind the Vice President, while the governors of Yobe and Gombe opted to remain neutral.

 

“The plan was to present a united endorsement of Tinubu and Shettima for a second term,” a former governor who attended the meeting revealed. “But the effort collapsed due to lack of consensus.”

 

Salihu’s Omission Ignites Tensions

 

The fragile peace further unraveled during the meeting when APC National Vice Chairman (North East), Mustapha Salihu, publicly endorsed President Tinubu for re-election — but conspicuously left out Shettima’s name. The omission ignited outrage among Shettima’s supporters, culminating in a brief episode of chaos as angry party members hurled objects at Salihu.

 

In response, APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, attempted to downplay the incident. “Whether Salihu did it intentionally or not, I want to assure the people of the North-East and Nigerians in general that there is no cause for alarm,” he said. “Salihu is entitled to his political opinion.”

 

Ganduje Denounces Violence, Backs Tinubu-Shettima Ticket

 

APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who was present at the meeting, condemned the violence and reaffirmed the party’s support for the current presidential team. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Oliver Okpala, Ganduje emphasized the indivisibility of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.

 

“There is no space for violence in Nigeria’s political landscape,” Okpala said. “Dr. Ganduje reminded everyone that the President and Vice President are constitutionally joined as one ticket.”

 

He added that the APC recognizes the strategic importance of the North-East and assured stakeholders of the party’s commitment to the region. “The National Chairman emphasized that the APC values the zone. His relationship with both the President and Vice President is solid—like the Rock of Gibraltar.”

 

No Final Word on 2027 Yet

 

Despite the deepening cracks and rising speculation, party insiders maintain that no formal decision has been made regarding the 2027 ticket. For now, Vice President Shettima remains in position — but the signals from within the party suggest that the battle for the second slot on the APC ticket is far from over.