In a dramatic clash at the All Progressives Congress (APC) North-East zonal meeting, Mustapha Salihu, the National Vice Chairman, ignited outrage by refusing to endorse Vice President Kashim Shettima for renomination alongside President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 elections. The tension escalated as Shettima's supporters confronted Salihu, leading to chaotic scenes where he had to be escorted out for his safety.
Salihu's controversial remarks came as he boldly declared, “We cannot, as North East APC stakeholders, because our son is the vice president, endorse Asiwaju with a condition. We are endorsing Asiwaju unconditionally.” This statement, however, left Shettima's supporters fuming, accusing him of betrayal.
During a live television appearance, Salihu further defended his position, stating, “If we put the words in Asiwaju’s mouth and we now say we have endorsed Kashim Shettima, we are putting the cart before the horse.” His comments were echoed by other regional governors, including Mai Mala Buni of Yobe and Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, who also endorsed Tinubu without mentioning Shettima.
As the meeting descended into chaos, Salihu condemned the violence, claiming, “This is not unconnected with the fact that some people are still practising the politics of 1979.” He threatened legal action against those who instigated the unrest, emphasizing that “politics has moved from barbarism and decadence.”
Despite the backlash, Salihu reiterated his respect for Shettima, stating, “We are proud that Kashim is our son; we respect him and we will stand by him. But it is the prerogative of Asiwaju to determine whether Shettima is going to be his running mate or not.” The APC is now left grappling with the fallout from this explosive meeting.
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