2027 Tensions: APC Leaders Move Against Shettima

"Shettima Must Stay," Say Loyalists as Tensions Boil Over in Gombe

The road to the 2027 general elections is already heating up within Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as internal tensions threaten to fracture the unity of the party particularly in the North East. At the center of the storm is Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose place on the Tinubu/Shettima joint ticket is being quietly questioned by some powerful party stakeholders from his home state, Borno.

Gombe Stakeholders’ Meeting Turns Violent

A stakeholders' gathering of APC leaders in Gombe State on Sunday, June 15, 2025, intended to reaffirm support for the Tinubu/Shettima 2027 ticket, erupted into chaos following a controversial omission. While the mood was initially celebratory, the event descended into disorder when Mustapha Salihu, APC National Vice Chairman (North East), publicly endorsed President Tinubu for re-election but failed to mention Vice President Shettima as his running mate.

The reaction was instantaneous and violent.

Loyalists of Shettima, particularly from Borno and surrounding states, accused Salihu of orchestrating a political ambush. Chairs, stones, and other objects were hurled. Security operatives had to evacuate Salihu from the conference hall to prevent a possible lynching.

Political Undercurrents: Grievances from Within

Although outwardly united, the APC’s North East bloc is dealing with internal fractures. Several high-ranking Borno politicians—former governors, elite stakeholders, and opinion leaders—have reportedly grown disillusioned with Shettima’s leadership. They believe that despite their role in his political ascent from commissioner to governor and now VP, Shettima has not shown sufficient appreciation or loyalty.

These individuals are said to be lobbying key figures in Abuja, pushing for Shettima’s replacement in the 2027 elections with someone they consider more loyal to their camp.

Tinubu/Shettima Ticket Still Non-Negotiable – Dalori

Reacting to the fracas, Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Deputy National Chairman (North) of the APC, dismissed the uproar as a “storm in a teacup.” He reaffirmed that the Tinubu/Shettima ticket remains intact and non-negotiable, stating that the VP has committed no offense to warrant his removal.

Dalori acknowledged the tension but emphasized the unity of the APC in the region and dismissed the notion that Salihu’s omission was a coordinated political maneuver.

“We’re on top of the situation,” Dalori assured. “Disagreements happen, but the re-election plan stands firm.”

Northeast Leaders Speak Out

🔹 Dr. Umar Duhu (APC North-East Stakeholder):

Duhu called the effort to sideline Shettima “absurd” and “a betrayal of the region's trust.” He warned that removing the Vice President would deeply offend the Northeast, which played a crucial role in Tinubu's 2023 election.

“It’s a treacherous plan by political opportunists who disregard the sacrifices and loyalty of the North East.”

🔹 Anonymous APC Chieftain:

A senior party figure (who declined to be named) drew parallels with the past.

“In 2018, the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket was solid. Today, all we hear is BAT 2027. Where is Shettima in the narrative? Are we being pushed to the sidelines?”

The Bigger Picture: Fractures in APC Unity

The Gombe incident has now triggered wider concerns about regional marginalization, the credibility of the APC leadership, and whether a North East VP can continue to hold meaningful sway within a party increasingly perceived as West and North Central-dominated.

Eng. Kabir Mohammed Wanori, a former Borno State Commissioner, warned:

“Unity is the oxygen of political victory. The Gombe crisis exposed the hypocrisy within our ranks. A few discontented figures, rejected even by the PDP, cannot be allowed to sow division in the APC.”

Shettima’s Exclusion: Deliberate or Coincidence?

Multiple incidents, including another omission of Shettima’s name by Salihu during the June 12 Democracy Day event in Yola, suggest a pattern rather than a one-time oversight.

Critics say this is a coordinated campaign to weaken Shettima’s visibility and possibly replace him before 2027.

Political Fallout: A Northeast Uprising Brewing?

Dr. Hassan Zanna Boguma, Special Adviser to Governor Zulum:

“The Gombe fracas was a revelation. It exposed a dangerous political mindset—one that believes power should rotate within a privileged few, while the North East remains sidelined.”

Boguma compared Shettima’s plight to that of Babagana Kingibe in 1993, warning that the Northeast will not tolerate another betrayal.

“We will no longer trade loyalty for crumbs. Shettima must stay. The Northeast must rise.”

Final Analysis

While President Tinubu continues to enjoy broad support across APC power centers, the controversy surrounding Vice President Shettima’s future reveals deeper cracks in the party’s foundation—particularly in the North East. The situation is a litmus test of APC’s commitment to unity, equity, and loyalty.

Whether Shettima's opponents succeed or fail, one thing is clear: the road to 2027 has officially begun, and it's paved with both ambition and tension. Tinubu to pick pick his running mate after the APC convention.