By Abba Dukawa
Nigerians enjoy the freedom of choice, and politics should be rooted in persuasion, not shortcuts to power. Every citizen has the constitutional right to contest for the highest office, as Nigeria remains a democratic nation. The ruling party National Working Committee’s (NWC) must recognize that peaceful coexistence, as enshrined in the constitution, guarantees all Nigerians the right to aspire to any position, regardless of their state of origin, ethnicity, or religion.
The NWC recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid for 2027 has sparked mixed reactions. Vice President Kashim Shettima’s name was conspicuously omitted from the endorsement motion, despite his presence at the event, raising eyebrows among observers. The APC NWC’s actions are heating up the political climate unnecessarily due to several reasons: Premature Endorsements*:
Backing President Tinubu without consideration of other aspirants appears hasty and unjust. These actions may deepen existing rifts within the APC, weakening its electoral prospects. Whole the absence of a transparent nomination process contributes to confusion and tension. The sidelining of key figures like Shettima risks exacerbating regional and ethnic divisions within both the party and the nation.
These factors collectively foster unnecessary political tension within the APC and may ultimately hurt the party’s performance in the 2027 general elections. The APC NWC’s short-sighted strategy, seemingly aimed at keeping the President in office to secure their own political survival, is a dangerous one. Does the Committee assume the election will be a walkover, despite the growing strength of opposition parties eager to reclaim power?
Last Sunday, chaos erupted at the APC North-East meeting over the Shettima snub, with party members in the region visibly upset over the perceived slight to Shettima. A high-stakes APC stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe State turned violent after Vice President Kashim Shettima’s name was omitted from the endorsement motion for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 bid. Before the chaos, the governors of the three APC-controlled states in the North-East — Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Babagana Zulum (Borno), — had publicly endorsed the Tinubu-Shettima ticket for the 2027 poll in their respective speeches. The host governor, Inuwa Yahaya, didn’t openly endorse Kashim Shettima and Tinubu. He only talked about the good administration of President Bola Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda. Notably, Governor of Gombe seemed to be lukewarm in his support, appearing to reluctantly endorse the joint ticket without genuine enthusiasm.
The meeting, attended by top APC officials, including governors, ministers, and influential party leaders, descended into chaos when APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu, and National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, failed to mention Shettima during their endorsements. Tensions escalated as Salihu declared support for Tinubu without acknowledging Shettima, sparking outrage among delegates. The situation became volatile, and it took the intervention of security operatives to escort Salihu out under heavy guard, preventing further escalation.
Despite APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Bukar Dalori, attempted to salvage the situation with a more inclusive endorsement, but the damage was done. The incident ended in disarray, with delegates shouting, banging tables, and engaging in scuffles.
A viral video captured the chaos, showing delegates hurling chairs and engaging in physical altercations. Analysts warn that the violent fallout could destabilize the party if left unaddressed, potentially sparking a political firestorm that’s hard to contain.
I’m confident that those opposing Vice President Shettima’s continuity have overlooked his exceptional leadership qualities and profound understanding of politics. The APC NWC’s premature endorsement of President Tinubu’s re-election bid, without mentioning Vice President Shettima, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about internal party dynamics. With over 900 days to the 2027 elections, the move appears hasty and potentially divisive.
The APC National Working Committee’s narrow focus on retaining the President in office to secure their own positions is perilous because it prioritizes self-interest over party and national interests, ignores citizens’ needs, creates internal conflicts, and undermines democratic principles. This approach could harm the party’s prospects by alienating voters, fostering divisions, and damaging its reputation. Rather than fixating on premature endorsements, the APC NWC should prioritize addressing the nation’s pressing issues and ensuring good governance that serves Nigerians’ interests.
The APC NWC’s focus on endorsements raises questions about its priorities. Instead of pushing for fulfillment of electoral promises, citizens expect tangible results and delivery on campaign commitments. The APC NWC should refocus on meeting Nigerians’ needs and expectations to build trust and credibility. Can the Committee realistically expect an easy win, given the strong opposition from other parties eager to unseat the governing party?
Despite rumors of rifts between the president and vice president, it’s essential to note that Shettima has previously refuted claims of being restricted from accessing the Presidential Villa. The exclusion of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s name and image in President Tinubu’s re-election campaign efforts has sparked concerns about party unity. The display of Tinubu’s posters and billboards in Abuja, without Shettima’s image, has further fueled speculation about the dynamics within the APC
Despite rumors of rifts between the president and vice president, it’s essential to note that Shettima has previously refuted claims of being restricted from accessing the Presidential Villa. The display of Tinubu’s posters and billboards in Abuja, without Shettima’s image, has further fueled speculation about the dynamics within the APC and the exclusion of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s name and image in President Tinubu’s re-election campaign poster has sparked concerns about party unity.
Political observers argue that premature endorsements, nearly two years before the elections, may contravene the Electoral Act and be perceived as a veiled campaign, potentially undermining fair democratic participation.
Dukawa public affairs commentator write in from Abuja can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com
