APC Meeting Turns Violent as Tinubu’s Men Reject Shettima for 2027, Chairs Thrown, Ganduje Flees

According to a report from Daily Sun on Sunday, June 15, A crucial All Progressives Congress (APC) consultative meeting in Gombe descended into chaos on Sunday as factions clashed over Vice President Kashim Shettima’s potential exclusion from President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election ticket. The violence erupted after party leaders openly dismissed Shettima’s role in the upcoming campaign, sparking a furious reaction from his supporters.

The gathering, which included governors from Borno, Yobe, and Gombe, as well as APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, was intended to solidify support for Tinubu’s second-term bid. However, tensions flared when APC National Vice Chairman (Northeast), Comrade Mustapha Salihu, deliberately omitted Shettima’s name while endorsing Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate.

“We have no reason not to support this government, which has given us key appointments,” Salihu declared. “The zonal executive committee holds the ticket, and we fully endorse President Tinubu for 2027.” His statement triggered an immediate uproar, with Shettima’s loyalists demanding a retraction.

Within minutes, the venue erupted into violence. Chairs were hurled, and dignitaries scrambled for safety as supporters of the vice president clashed with Tinubu’s backers. Borno Governor Babagana Zulum, who had earlier endorsed a joint Tinubu-Shettima ticket, attempted to mediate but was overwhelmed by the chaos.

Ganduje, in a hurried address, sought to calm the situation, stating, “This zone produced the nation’s vice president, and we value its contributions.” However, his speech was repeatedly shouted down, forcing him to exit under heavy security.

According to a report from Daily Sun, A senior APC official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the rift: “Salihu’s words were a direct insult to Shettima. The Northeast will not accept this betrayal.”