2027: Tinubu–Shettima Alliance Faces Internal Tensions Amid Plot Allegations

With the 2027 general elections still two years away, fresh tensions are brewing within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged plans to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima from President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ticket.

What was intended to be a strategic meeting to consolidate party support in the North-East zone turned chaotic on Sunday in Gombe State. The stakeholders’ gathering, held at the International Conference Centre, descended into violence when the APC Zonal Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, failed to mention Shettima in his endorsement remarks for Tinubu’s second term.

A viral video showed an angry party delegate physically attacking Salihu, hitting him with a chair while others hurled objects. The chaos erupted as delegates began chanting “Shettima! Shettima!!” in protest over the perceived slight against the Vice President.

According to sources, Salihu’s omission was interpreted as a deliberate move to downplay Shettima’s role in the 2027 ticket, leading to angry outbursts from party faithful and threats of rebellion within the zone.

“It’s an insult to the entire region that our son, the Vice President, was not even acknowledged. This is a calculated attempt to sideline him, and we will resist it,” said a delegate from Borno.

Governors and Key Leaders Reaffirm Support

Before the fracas, governors from the APC-controlled states in the region — Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Babagana Zulum (Borno), and Muhammadu Yahaya (Gombe) — had expressed support for the Tinubu–Shettima joint ticket. Yahaya declared that “the North-East is fully behind the President and the Vice President,” commending their leadership as a beacon of hope.

However, the tension persisted as APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, also avoided an explicit mention of Shettima in his remarks, leading to further agitation.

Ganduje stated:

“We have a progressive President… and we are proud of his deputy, his Vice President. It is one ticket according to the Constitution.”

Despite his attempt at damage control, the crowd remained unsatisfied, with many chanting: “No Shettima, no APC in the North-East.”

Defections Threatened as Divisions Deepen

Party members warned that any attempt to remove Shettima could trigger a wave of defections to the opposition.

“If Shettima is dropped, I’ll personally lead my people to vote for Atiku,” said a senior APC member from Adamawa.

The event ended abruptly as dignitaries fled the venue, and police fired teargas to disperse the agitated crowd. Observers say the incident underscores deepening cracks within the APC and could signal a political crisis ahead of 2027 if not swiftly addressed.

“This isn’t just a misunderstanding. It’s a warning shot. The APC must tread carefully or risk implosion in the North-East,” said political analyst James Abass.

Mixed Signals from Party Leadership

Although key APC National Working Committee (NWC) members from the North-East, including Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, and Senator M.T. Monguno, publicly endorsed the Tinubu–Shettima ticket, Comrade Mustapha Salihu stood alone in opposing it.

In contrast, the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, dismissed the speculation entirely.

“There’s a solid working relationship between Tinubu and Shettima. These are distractions aimed at causing division,” Arodiogbu told The PUNCH.

As the APC battles to maintain cohesion, Sunday’s events reflect the growing power struggle and regional sensitivities that could shape the party’s chances in 2027.