North-East Youths Warn APC Against Dropping Shettima from 2027 Ticket
Gombe, Nigeria – June 16–17, 2025
Angry youths and stakeholders from Nigeria’s North-East region have issued stern warnings to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against plans to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re‑election ticket, signaling potential political unrest in the region.
Chaos at Zonal Meeting Over Shettima Snub
During a high-profile APC North-East stakeholders’ conference held at Gombe’s International Conference Centre, Mustapha Salihu, the APC Zonal Vice Chairman (North‑East), endorsed only President Tinubu for a second term, deliberately omitting mention of Shettima. Delegates erupted in fury—some hurled chairs and bottles, while one individual assaulted Salihu directly. Security forces had to escort him out amid chants of “No Shettima, no APC!”
Attempts to calm tensions by APC Deputy National Chairman (North) Bukar Dalori backfired, and even remarks from APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje failed to reassure the crowd. Ganduje’s omission of Shettima in his address further inflamed anger, forcing a premature end to the meeting amid rising chaos.
Mounting Regional Backlash and Political Implications
Regional stakeholders, including youth groups and political elders, sharply criticized the omission as an affront to the North‑East. They argued that Shettima embodies regional representation and warned that sidelining him could cost APC the critical northern bloc in 2027 elections.
A delegate from Adamawa went as far as to say: “If Shettima is dropped, I will personally lead my people to vote for Atiku,” referencing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the opposition PDP.
While governors Mai Mala Buni (Yobe) and Babagana Zulum (Borno) showed support for the joint Tinubu–Shettima ticket, others remained silent or non-committal—fanning speculation of internal dissent and strategic maneuvering to replace him with a Christian northerner such as Yakubu Dogara or Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
High Stakes for APC’s North-East Strategy
The North‑East region delivered over 1.2 million votes to the APC in 2023, making it a decisive stronghold. Analysts warn that excluding Shettima—an influential Northerner—from the ticket could rupture party unity and significantly reduce support in that region.
Political commentators note that balancing religious representation remains a sensitive issue in Nigerian politics. While some pressure groups are advocating for a Christian running mate to balance the ticket, others see the move as a betrayal that could alienate loyal Muslim voters in the North-East.
