Shettima: Tension in APC as Alleged Plot for Replacement Gains Ground

As the 2027 general elections approach, a growing concern has emerged within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding an alleged plan to remove Vice President Kashim Shettima from President Bola Tinubu’s ticket.

The situation escalated during a North-East stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe, which was intended to show support for President Tinubu’s re-election. The meeting became contentious when the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, did not mention Vice President Shettima in his endorsement speech. Salihu stated, “We want to reaffirm and also adopt the endorsement earlier done by the National Working Committee, that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is endorsed to be a sole candidate for the 2027 election.”

This omission led to a strong reaction from delegates, who shouted “Shettima! Shettima!!” and protests turned violent as some attendees reportedly confronted Salihu on stage. A video circulated showing him being struck with a chair while attempting to leave and others protesting by throwing objects.

Efforts by party leaders, including Deputy National Chairman (North) Alhaji Bukar Dalori, to restore order were unsuccessful. Security personnel ultimately intervened, using tear gas to disperse the gathered crowd.

A delegate from Borno State, Usman Aliyu, characterized the oversight as an insult to the region. He stated, “This is a slap on our faces,” calling for a united response to reaffirm Tinubu and Shettima’s candidacy. Another delegate indicated that they would resist any attempt to exclude the vice president.

Reports indicated that some delegates threatened to support opposition figures, specifically mentioning Atiku Abubakar, if Shettima were removed from the ticket.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe faced criticism for not explicitly endorsing the vice president in his speech, which only praised Tinubu. In contrast, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and Yobe’s Mai Mala Buni publicly supported the Tinubu/Shettima ticket, as did several National Assembly leaders from the region.

APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje attempted to address the situation but did not clearly affirm Shettima’s place on the 2027 ticket. He emphasized pride in both the North-East region’s representation and the Vice President’s role, stating, “This zone has produced the number two of this country.”

Meanwhile, some party officials, including Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, downplayed the unrest, suggesting that it stemmed from “political noise” and affirming a strong collaboration between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. Additionally, presidential aide Daniel Bwala expressed a lack of knowledge about any intentions to remove the Vice President.

Sources present at the meeting disclosed that most of the region’s National Working Committee (NWC) members supported the Tinubu/Shettima ticket, with only Salihu opposing it. Despite the support shown by some party leaders, speculation continues about potential candidates who may be considered to replace Shettima.

Political analysts indicate that the events highlight deeper internal divisions within the APC, which could lead to further challenges for the party if not resolved. Political commentator James Abass noted that the North-East views the vice president as a critical political figure and that any efforts to marginalize him may provoke backlash.

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