Esther Salifu
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with internal discord following a tumultuous North-East zonal meeting in Gombe State, where the exclusion of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s name from key endorsements sparked outrage among party delegates.
On Sunday, June 15, 2025, the APC convened a North-East zonal meeting at the Gombe State Government House to strategize for the upcoming 2027 general elections. The gathering included prominent party figures, aiming to consolidate support and outline the party’s direction.
Tensions escalated when Comrade Mustapha Salihu, APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid without mentioning Vice President Kashim Shettima. This omission was met with immediate disapproval from the delegates, many of whom are staunch supporters of Shettima.
The situation deteriorated further when APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, addressed the assembly, also neglecting to acknowledge Shettima. Delegates reacted vehemently, with some attempting to approach the stage aggressively. Security personnel intervened promptly, ensuring Ganduje’s safety and restoring order.
This incident attracted many reactions from Nigerians
Political analyst Dr. Ibrahim Musa commented, “The North-East has been instrumental in the APC’s electoral successes. Overlooking its leaders can have detrimental effects on party unity and voter confidence.”
The Deputy National Chairman Bukar Dalori reaffirmed the party’s commitment to both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, stating, “Our leadership remains united, and we value the contributions of all our members.”
