The All Progressives Congress (APC) members from the Northeast have officially endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to remain on the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.
This resolution was made during a Consultative Forum meeting held in Gombe yesterday, attended by governors, National Assembly members, and key party figures, including National Chairman Abdulahi Ganduje and former Senate President Ahmad Lawan.
The Northeast comprises Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe. The APC currently has three governors in the region: Babagana Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and host Governor Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), all of whom participated in the meeting.
One resolution highlighted the importance of maintaining the current ticket, noting that any changes could lead to divisions among party leaders. However, some leaders, led by National Vice Chairman (Northeast) Mustapha Salihu, proposed considering National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for the vice presidency, although his interest remains unclear.
Sources indicated that the meeting focused on assessing the political landscape for 2027, with many leaders advocating for continuity. “We believe in the benefits we’ve gained under this ticket, including strategic appointments and projects,” said one source. “Why change a winning team?”
Usman Kumo, Chief Whip of the House representing Gombe, endorsed the ticket on behalf of the Northeast House of Representatives Caucus, while Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno and Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori also voiced support.
Despite some dissent from Mustapha Salihu, the majority of the National Working Committee members from the Northeast rallied behind the ticket, including Dalori and others from Gombe, Taraba, and Bauchi.
Disruptions occurred during the meeting due to Salihu’s opposing stance, but senior party leaders praised the transformational leadership of the President and Vice President under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Governor Yahaya affirmed the region’s support, while Zulum spoke of the administration’s achievements in health, education, and empowerment, asserting that the continuity of the Tinubu/Shettima ticket is vital for ongoing progress and national unity.
Ganduje emphasised the need for unity, highlighting the region’s significant voting power in previous elections and setting ambitious goals for 2027. He expressed pride in the leadership of Tinubu and Shettima, reiterating that the party is committed to its constitutional mandate.
The Forum plans to submit its resolutions to the APC’s National Headquarters in Abuja.
