Fresh details have emerged about the dramatic disruption that marred the All Progressives Congress (APC) North-East Consultative Meeting in Gombe on Sunday, revealing a deepening rift within the party over the future of Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 general elections.

 

Sources within the party say tensions boiled over as some influential stakeholders used the meeting to challenge Shettima’s continued role on the APC presidential ticket, citing both religious and political concerns.

 

While some party figures oppose the Muslim-Muslim ticket for a second term, arguing it has become increasingly unpopular, others labeled Shettima a “dull politician” who has failed to assert himself at key national moments.

 

In his place, factions within the North-East reportedly floated alternative names, including former Speaker Yakubu Dogara and current Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya—both of whom are seen as potential running mates should the party opt for a shake-up ahead of 2027. Notably, some within the zone still prefer a Muslim vice-presidential candidate but see Yahaya as a more politically agile option.

 

Though the discontent had largely remained behind closed doors, Sunday’s meeting cracked it wide open. The absence of Shettima’s name in the public endorsement speech by APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, reportedly triggered a fracas, as angry party members hurled objects at the podium, causing a brief but chaotic scene.

 

In an attempt to manage the crisis, the three APC governors from the region—Babagana Zulum (Borno), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), and Mai Mala Buni (Yobe)—held multiple meetings prior to the event to forge a united front. However, insiders say no consensus was reached.

 

A former governor who attended the meeting told reporters:

 

“The governors were divided over the endorsement of Shettima. Only Governor Zulum was fully supportive, while the others remained neutral.”

 

Despite the discord, APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, downplayed the significance of the incident, saying:

 

“There is no cause for alarm. Whether Salihu did it intentionally or not, he is entitled to his political opinion.”

 

Dalori’s remarks followed national speculation over the omission of Shettima’s name from the endorsement of Tinubu’s 2027 bid—a move many interpreted as a deliberate political statement.

 

Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment to APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Oliver Okpala, also condemned the unruly behaviour displayed during the meeting.

 

“There is no space for violence in Nigeria’s political landscape at present,” Okpala said, warning against political intolerance.

 

He defended Ganduje’s handling of the situation and reaffirmed the strength of the Tinubu-Shettima alliance, adding:

 

“The President and Vice President are constitutionally joined as one ticket… Ganduje made this clear, but some individuals chose not to listen.”

 

While the APC leadership continues to project unity, Sunday’s events reflect growing regional discontent and internal debate over the party’s strategy for 2027—a dynamic that could shape not just the ticket, but the party’s future direction in northern Nigeria.