2027: Brewing APC crisis in Northeast, a warning sign for Tinubu, stakeholders
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
What was supposed to be a show of unity and strategic alignment for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Northeast turned into a drama of political betrayal and internal conflict. The New Year’s Day APC Northeast Zonal Consultative Meeting held in Gombe State exposed rising tensions, simmering rivalries, and early scheming ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Northeast zone, which played a vital role in delivering votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023, is now at the centre of an impending political storm that could threaten the party’s stability. While Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, who chaired the meeting, reaffirmed the region’s loyalty to the APC and praised the federal government’s efforts in tackling insecurity, the meeting was overshadowed by controversy. At the heart of the uproar was the attempt to exclude Vice President Kashim Shettima from the political narrative of 2027.
Mustapha Salihu, the National Vice Chairman (North East) of the APC, allegedly led the push for an endorsement of President Tinubu as the sole candidate for 2027 while showing conspicuous silence over Shettima’s picture in the 2027 political frame. In doing so, he was reported to have removed Vice President Shettima’s name from an initial list of stakeholders and endorsement signatories. This move, viewed by many within the party as both disrespectful and provocative, sparked anger among party loyalists and political observers who see Shettima as a key pillar of the APC in the region.
This controversy birth numerous questions that beg for urgent answers. Why is there a rush to declare President Tinubu as the sole candidate for 2027 when the political terrain remains uncertain? Why would anyone in the party hierarchy attempt to erase or marginalise the Vice President from such a crucial process, especially considering his influence and contributions from the Northeast?
The incident suggests a deeper power play within the APC, as some factions appear eager to reconfigure alliances and influence ahead of the 2027 elections. Salihu’s actions, intentional or not, reveal a bloc within the party that may be preparing to reshape the internal dynamics of leadership, possibly to weaken the Shettima camp, shift loyalty structures, or even position another political figure for the vice presidency in the future.
Such a move is not only short-sighted but also politically dangerous. The Northeast, and particularly Borno State, where Shettima hails from, has been a stronghold for the APC. Any attempt to undercut its influence or disrespect its leaders could alienate the region, disrupt unity, and embolden rival parties. Already, there are concerns that unresolved grievances from the meeting could escalate into broader factional disputes, risking defection and discontent within the party.
The APC must now confront uncomfortable truths about its internal democracy and decision-making culture. If the party is truly committed to inclusivity and strategic cohesion, it must ensure that all key stakeholders are carried along. The Northeast deserves to be treated as an equal partner in the future of the party—not just a vote bank or symbolic stronghold.
Moreover, this controversy sheds light on the growing uncertainty over the party’s 2027 succession plan. While President Tinubu has not officially declared his intention to seek re-election, the internal moves to declare him the sole candidate indicate a level of desperation or overreach. If left unchecked, this could create resentment across other regions and deepen the North-South divide within the party.
Vice President Kashim Shettima remains a formidable political figure whose credentials, experience, and loyalty to the APC are undisputed. To ignore or sideline such a figure is not only politically suicidal but also sends a wrong message to other stakeholders who may be watching developments closely. Loyalty within a political party must be a two-way street. If leaders and committed members begin to feel that they can be discarded for political convenience, then the moral foundation of the party becomes shaky.
The reaction of Governor Buni and other prominent leaders at the meeting indicated clear discomfort with how the endorsement process was handled. While the governor’s statement maintained a tone of unity and support for the federal government, the body language and behind-the-scenes discussions suggested otherwise. The internal crack is widening, and if not mended with sincerity, the party may be heading into turbulent waters.
It is also important to consider the broader implications of this crisis. Nigeria’s political history is replete with examples of parties that collapsed due to unresolved internal conflicts. The PDP’s loss of power in 2015 was largely attributed to internal wrangling and failure to manage ambitions. The APC must learn from this and avoid repeating similar mistakes.
Furthermore, the role of political godfathers and regional brokers is becoming increasingly pronounced. The tension in Gombe highlights the fragile alliance between political actors who may share the same party platform but harbour different interests. In such a landscape, unity must be carefully cultivated, not imposed. The politics of exclusion has no place in a party that seeks to govern a diverse and complex country like Nigeria.
As 2027 approaches, the APC must resist the temptation of preemptive coronations. Declaring a sole candidate, especially in a democracy as vibrant and unpredictable as Nigeria’s, is not only premature but also undemocratic. The power to choose must rest with the people and party delegates—through transparent and fair processes.
President Tinubu, as the leader of the party, must rise to the occasion and intervene decisively. He must ensure that all stakeholders are respected and that the APC remains a platform for negotiation, dialogue, and inclusion. His legacy depends not just on policy achievements but also on how he manages the complex web of political interests within his party.
For Vice President Shettima, the support from his base remains strong, but he must also tread carefully. Reacting impulsively could widen the rift, but strategic engagement with party stakeholders can help consolidate his position. It is in his interest and that of the Northeast to remain part of the decision-making core of the APC.
In the end, the Gombe crisis should serve as a wake-up call. The party must address the underlying issues, restore trust among members, and re-establish a sense of fairness and unity. Failure to do so could cost the APC dearly in 2027.
This is not just about one meeting or one endorsement. It is about the future direction of a ruling party in a democratic setting. The APC still has time to correct course, but only if it acts now, with honesty, humility, and a clear commitment to internal democracy.
