An All Progressives Congress (APC) meeting in the North-East aimed at endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term ended in disarray due to the alleged refusal of key party stakeholders to endorse Vice President Kashim Shettima alongside the president.
A video shared by AIT on Sunday captured the heightened tensions among party members as the event concluded abruptly.
Reports indicate that the meeting took place in Gombe State and was attended by prominent APC figures in the region, including ministers, lawmakers, and others. The party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, was also present.
Tensions reportedly flared when the national vice chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, failed to mention Mr Shettima during his speech endorsing Mr Tinubu for a second term.
Mr Salihu’s omission sparked intense controversy among delegates, leading to confrontations. The situation was somewhat diffused by the intervention of the deputy national vice chairman (North-East), Bukar Dalori, who took the podium following Mr Salihu’s address.
However, delegates grew agitated once more when Mr Ganduje also neglected to mention Mr Shettima while endorsing Mr Tinubu during his speech, culminating in physical altercations among attendees and further disrupting the event.
Mr Ganduje could not be reached for comment regarding the events that unfolded during the meeting. APC spokesperson, Felix Morka, similarly did not respond to requests for clarification on the matter.
It is worth noting that Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya endorsed Mr Tinubu for a second term on Saturday, acknowledging the president’s ongoing support for the state.
“I would like to assure the president that in recognition of his efforts to bring change and development to Nigeria, the people of Gombe State will follow him without hesitation. From what I can see, his return in 2027 is assured,” Mr Yahaya stated.
