…Zulum, Ganduje proceed with endorsement despite backlash
A high-level consultative meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s North-East zone ended in disarray on Sunday after the region’s National Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Salihu, delivered a controversial endorsement speech that omitted any reference to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The event, held in Gombe, the capital of Gombe State, was intended to signal cohesion and forward planning within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, it quickly devolved into chaos, marked by loud protests, threats of violence and a near breakdown of order.
Tensions boiled over when Salihu declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for 2027 without acknowledging Vice President Shettima, a prominent figure from the North-East region.
As Salihu concluded his remarks, murmurs of discontent swept across the packed hall, escalating into open jeers and shouts from delegates believed to be loyal to the Vice President. Many accused Salihu of intentionally snubbing the region’s highest-ranking official in a bid to diminish its political relevance.
The situation rapidly deteriorated. Some delegates attempted to approach the podium to confront Salihu physically, forcing security operatives to intervene. He was escorted from the venue under heavy protection as angry party members surged forward, shouting insults and issuing threats.
Sources within the party described the atmosphere as combustible, with accusations flying over Salihu’s intentions and concerns that the omission sent a damaging signal about the North-East’s place within the APC’s national power structure.
As tempers flared, scuffles broke out among rival factions. Delegates pushed and shoved one another, and several chairs were knocked over in the ensuing fracas. Security personnel were forced to increase their presence inside the venue to prevent further escalation and restore order.
Despite the disruption, the meeting’s convener and senior party leaders pressed on with the proceedings. APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, alongside Deputy National Chairman, Dr Ali Bukar Dalori, addressed the gathering and appealed for unity and discipline, urging members to prioritise party cohesion over individual grievances.
Taking the stage amid lingering tension, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, praised the Tinubu administration’s achievements and called on party members to support continuity in government.
“We have seen massive improvement in critical sectors, health, education, infrastructure and youth empowerment,” he said. “These gains must not be truncated. President Bola Tinubu deserves our support to continue this transformation.”
Zulum made no direct reference to the earlier incident but delivered a glowing appraisal of the federal government’s impact in the North-East.
His remarks were reinforced by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, who also focused on the need for stability and unity as the party prepares for the 2027 election cycle.
All three governors affirmed their commitment to the party’s leadership and future direction but notably avoided commenting on the Vice President’s conspicuous exclusion from the endorsement.
As of press time, Vice President Kashim Shettima had not made any public comment on the incident. His media aides also declined to respond to requests for clarification.
