APC Summit in Chaos Over 2027 Ticket as Shettima’s Loyalty Tested in Gombe Showdown
GOMBE, NIGERIA — June 17, 2025 | By IDNN Political Desk
Tensions exploded inside the All Progressives Congress (APC) as party chieftains from the North-East clashed violently over Vice President Kashim Shettima’s political future, raising new fears about the 2027 joint ticket and deepening the party’s internal fractures.
At the zonal consultative meeting held in Gombe, a dramatic scene unfolded when APC North-East Vice Chairman Mustapha Salihu publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election—without mentioning Shettima. The move was immediately rejected by vocal delegates, who accused Salihu of attempting to erase the Vice President from the 2027 conversation.
The row spiraled into near-chaos. Attempts by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum to pacify the hall fell flat, and only the swift intervention of security operatives prevented further escalation. Observers say the incident marks the most public evidence yet of a brewing war within the ruling party’s top ranks.
While party leaders have tried to dismiss the fracas as a misunderstanding, multiple high-level APC sources confirmed to IDNN that deep mistrust has been simmering between North-East governors. At the center of the crisis: whether Shettima should retain his place on the 2027 ticket.
A Party Torn Over Its No. 2
Party insiders told IDNN that some governors have been quietly pushing for Shettima’s replacement—questioning the effectiveness of the controversial Muslim-Muslim formula and labeling Shettima a “dull politician” who has failed to assert himself nationally.
Names floated as potential replacements include former Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, though neither has openly declared interest. One former governor revealed that only Zulum supported the idea of reaffirming Shettima’s role in 2027, while Yobe and Gombe governors remained noncommittal.
Yet, official statements from APC headquarters insist the Tinubu-Shettima ticket remains “sacrosanct.”
“No Cause for Alarm,” But Fears Linger
Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori tried to douse the flames, claiming Salihu’s omission was personal and not reflective of a coordinated plot. “Salihu is entitled to his political opinion,” Dalori said.
But Labour Party Acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, seized the moment to fire back at Tinubu, calling the chaos “political karma.” She accused the President of ridiculing opposition parties while presiding over a fractured ruling party himself.
Ganduje Weighs In
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje later addressed the delegates, reaffirming that “President and Vice President are constitutionally one ticket,” and cautioning against actions that could unravel party unity. Despite his remarks, lingering doubts over Shettima’s standing persist.
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