Tensions Erupt at APC Stakeholders’ Summit in Gombe Over Shettima Snub
A high-profile All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ summit in Gombe ended in chaos on Sunday after a series of controversial endorsements for the 2027 presidential election sparked outrage among delegates.
The disruption began when the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, addressed the gathering and declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for a second term. However, Salihu made no mention of Vice President Kashim Shettima, a move that provoked immediate backlash from attendees.
Delegates, visibly angered by the omission, began shouting over the speeches, disrupting proceedings, and issuing verbal threats. Salihu was swiftly escorted out of the venue by security personnel as tensions escalated.
In an apparent attempt to quell the unrest, Deputy National Chairman Bukar Dalori took the stage and endorsed both Tinubu and Shettima for second terms. Despite the gesture, the atmosphere remained tense, with delegates unconvinced and still visibly agitated.
The situation further deteriorated when APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, delivered his speech. In his 10-minute address, Ganduje once again endorsed only Tinubu and made no reference to Shettima. The omission reignited tensions, prompting another wave of uproar from the crowd.
As the hall grew increasingly volatile, Ganduje was also quickly escorted out under tight security, bringing the summit to an abrupt end.
The incident has raised concerns within party ranks over internal unity and regional sensitivities ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly within the North-East bloc, where Shettima enjoys significant support.