Outrage Erupts as APC Chairman Ganduje, North-East Chairman Endorse Tinubu Without Mentioning Shettima

GOMBE, Nigeria – A recent All Progressives Congress (APC) meeting in the North-East region descended into chaos following a controversial endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term by the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and the North-East Zonal Chairman, Mustapha Salihu. The omission of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s name during the endorsement sparked outrage among party loyalists and delegates, leading to a near-violent confrontation that abruptly ended the gathering.

The incident, which occurred at a stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe State, has exposed potential fault lines within the APC as the 2027 general elections loom. According to eyewitness accounts and reports from multiple sources, including posts circulating on X, the endorsement of Tinubu without acknowledging Shettima, a prominent figure from Borno State in the North-East, was perceived as a deliberate snub. This triggered an uproar among attendees, with some delegates reportedly shouting insults and threatening physical violence against the party leaders.

Security operatives were forced to intervene, escorting Ganduje and Salihu out of the venue to prevent harm as the situation escalated. The meeting, intended to rally support and strategize for the APC’s future in the region, ended prematurely due to the unrest. Videos and images shared on X captured the tense atmosphere, with visibly agitated party members voicing their discontent.

The controversy stems from the political significance of Shettima, who has been a key ally of Tinubu since the 2023 presidential campaign. As a former governor of Borno State and a respected figure in the North-East, Shettima’s exclusion from the endorsement was seen by many as a calculated move, fueling speculation about internal power struggles within the APC. Some party members expressed concerns that the omission could signal an attempt to sideline Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially to pave the way for a different running mate or to diminish his influence within the party.

Posts on X echoed the sentiments of betrayal and frustration. One user wrote, “How can Ganduje and Salihu endorse Tinubu without even mentioning Shettima? This is a slap in the face to the North-East and a sign of bigger issues in APC.” Another post questioned the unity of the party, stating, “If the APC can’t present a united front now, what happens in 2027? Shettima deserves better.” These reactions highlight the deep sense of regional loyalty and the expectation that Shettima, as a son of the North-East, should be acknowledged alongside Tinubu.

In response to the backlash, sources within the APC claim that the party leadership later clarified that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket remains intact for 2027, dismissing the omission as an oversight. However, this explanation has done little to quell the discontent, with many viewing the incident as a symptom of deeper divisions within the party. Political analysts suggest that the episode could have far-reaching implications, particularly in the North-East, where Shettima’s influence is critical for mobilizing support.

The incident also comes at a time when the APC is grappling with other challenges, including economic discontent and criticisms of Tinubu’s administration. The North-East, a region that has faced significant security and economic challenges, remains a crucial battleground for the APC’s electoral success. Alienating key figures like Shettima could weaken the party’s position in the region, especially if opposition parties capitalize on the perceived disunity.

As the dust settles, questions linger about the APC’s internal cohesion and its strategy moving forward. Will the party leadership address the concerns raised by the North-East delegates, or will this incident deepen existing rifts? For now, the outrage over the endorsement has cast a shadow over the APC’s efforts to project unity, with the Tinubu-Shettima ticket at the center of the storm.

The controversy serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of regional and personal loyalties within Nigeria’s political landscape. As 2027 approaches, the APC will need to navigate these tensions carefully to maintain its grip on power. For Shettima’s supporters, the incident is a call to action to ensure their region’s voice remains heard within the party’s hierarchy. Meanwhile, Nigerians on X and beyond continue to watch closely, speculating on what this episode reveals about the APC’s future.