Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on leaders and aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to embrace unity, restraint, and discipline ahead of the party’s primaries and the 2027 general elections, warning that internal conflict could undermine its chances at the polls.
In a statement titled “2027: Don’t Pull Down the Roof”, issued in Abuja, Shettima stressed that the APC must avoid actions capable of deepening divisions among its members, urging stakeholders to prioritise the stability of the party above personal ambition.
Describing the APC as a political family rather than a battlefield, the Vice President cautioned against provocation and divisive rhetoric that could weaken internal cohesion as preparations for the next electoral cycle intensify.
“Even in the most spirited family, the roof must never be pulled down because one room appears warmer than another,” he said.
He noted that while ambition and competition are natural in a democratic system, they must be managed in a way that preserves unity and respect among members. According to him, democracy is designed to “civilise ambition,” allowing healthy competition without destruction and disagreement without hostility.
“We are members of one political household with different ambitions, loyalties, and expectations, which is normal in a democratic setting,” he added.
Shettima also cautioned party members against falling prey to misinformation, media manipulation, and external influences that may seek to create suspicion within the party. He warned that such tactics are often designed to pit comrades against one another before the real electoral contest begins.
“These tactics are meant to provoke suspicion, inflame supporters, and turn comrades into adversaries before the real contest begins,” he said.
The Vice President emphasised that leadership requires restraint and maturity, particularly in moments of heightened political tension. He urged party members to constantly ask who benefits when internal conflicts weaken the organisation.
According to him, while the primaries will produce candidates, the real test for the APC will come during the general elections, where unity will play a decisive role in determining success.
“The primaries will produce candidates, but the general election will test the strength of our unity,” he stated.
Shettima further likened party members to raindrops that collectively form a flood of strength, stressing that every member has a role to play in the party’s survival and electoral success.
He acknowledged that not all aspirants will emerge victorious in the primaries, describing it as an inevitable aspect of democratic competition. However, he stressed that the true measure of political maturity is how aspirants respond to defeat.
“The true test of a politician is how they respond to defeat, showing character, patriotism, and loyalty despite disappointment,” he said.
The Vice President called for fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness in the conduct of the APC primaries, urging party leaders to ensure that the process is credible and widely accepted.
He further appealed to all members to close ranks after the primaries and present a united front to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the strength of the party will not only depend on the selection of candidates but also on its ability to remain united after internal contests.
Political observers say Shettima’s message reflects growing concerns within the ruling party over potential internal rifts as aspirants begin positioning themselves for key elective offices. His remarks are seen as an attempt to pre-empt factional tensions that often arise during primaries in major political parties.
The APC, which currently controls the federal government under President Bola Tinubu, is expected to face intense competition both internally and externally as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
As political activities intensify, analysts note that unity within the ruling party may prove crucial to its electoral fortunes, particularly in the face of emerging opposition coalitions and increasing public scrutiny of governance performance.
Shettima’s intervention adds to a series of early political messages aimed at stabilising party structures ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive election season in Nigeria.
