North East endorsent of Tinubu tears APC apart

A major political crisis has erupted within the North-East chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a contentious endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term—an endorsement that conspicuously left out Vice President Kashim Shettima, a prominent figure from the region.

The controversy unfolded during an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe, where Mustapha Salihu, the party’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), declared Tinubu as the sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election. His omission of Vice President Shettima sparked immediate outrage among delegates, with some reportedly threatening violence.

Security forces had to intervene, escorting Salihu from the venue to prevent further escalation.

In an effort to calm tensions, Deputy National Chairman Bukar Dalori later included Shettima in his own endorsement speech. However, the atmosphere remained tense.

According to Daily Trust, the situation deteriorated further when APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje also voiced support for Tinubu’s re-election bid—again without acknowledging Shettima. His remarks triggered fresh disruptions and ultimately led to the abrupt end of the meeting.