By Emmanuel Kwada
A high-stakes meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in the North-East region erupted into chaos on Sunday, June 15, 2025, when Comrade Mustapha Salihu, PhD, the party’s National Vice Chairman for the North-East, affirmed the endorsements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole candidate for a second term.
Recall that the National Working Committee of the Party had endorsed President Tinubu as sole Candidate of the Party during its National Summit held in Abuja.
The gathering, held in Gombe State, was attended by prominent party figures, including Governors, ministers, lawmakers, Critical Stakeholders and APC National Chairman Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.
The controversy ignited when Salihu acting on the decision of the Zonal Executive Committee affirmed the National Working Committee’s endorsement of Tinubu as the unopposed APC sole candidate for the 2027 election, failing to mention Vice President Shettima’s the ticket.
Tensions escalated further when National Chairman Ganduje, in a speech lasting approximately 10 minutes, also reached the endorsement of President Tinubu without mentioning Shettima
This omission provoked a fierce reaction from hundreds of Borno hired thugs tagged-as delegates, who hurled insults and physically assaulted Salihu. His military background enabled him to escape the volatile crowd unhurt, though security operatives swiftly escorted him from the venue to avert further escalation.
Tensions escalated further when National Chairman Ganduje, in a speech lasting approximately 10 minutes, also reached the endorsement of President Tinubu without mentioning Shettima.
Borno delegates, in what appeared to be a coordinated display, vocally resisted Ganduje’s remarks, hurling pure water into his face demanding that Shettima must be made part of the ticket.
The National Chairman required a security escort to safely exit the venue as the meeting ended abruptly amid the unrest.
A stakeholder, speaking anonymously, clarified that the Nigerian Constitution provides for the sole nomination of a presidential candidate, who then selects their vice-presidential running mates.
This remains the position of the party at national, zonal, and state levels
“This remains the position of the party at national, zonal, and state levels,” the stakeholder noted, suggesting the endorsements aligned with constitutional and party protocols.
In a post-meeting interview with TGNews, Salihu sought to downplay the conflict, describing it as a “family affair.” “We disagree to agree because APC is a big family, and thank God the situation is calm and under control,” he said. Salihu emphasized that the meeting’s objectives were achieved despite the misunderstanding that erupted at its conclusion.
We disagree to agree because APC is a big family, and thank God the situation is calm and under control
“We are cool now, focusing on delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027,” he concluded.
As the APC navigates the road to the 2027 elections, much aims awaited to be seen.
