APC Zonal Meeting Chaos Fuels 2027 Ticket Uncertainty

The All Progressives Congress (APC) faced unexpected turmoil at its zonal meeting in Gombe this week, sparking concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re‑election strategy and the role of Vice President Kashim Shettima. While party loyalists downplayed the disruption as manufactured dissent, political analysts warn the incident may expose deeper divisions within the ruling party.

Key Takeaways

• Gombe Meeting Mayhem: Supporters clashed during routine business, prompting questions about APC unity ahead of the 2027 campaign.

• Shettima’s Status: Rumors of marginalization fueled speculation that Vice President Shettima could be sidelined on the next presidential ticket. His omission from early discussions is seen as an unusual break in tradition.

• Historical Context: Tinubu’s Lagos tenure saw three deputy governors dismissed amid acrimony, suggesting a pattern of fraught president‑deputy relationships.

• Political Implications: Early jockeying over the ticket risks alienating key voter blocs—the predominantly Muslim North and the Middle Belt, where Christian representation could be crucial.

Strategic Analysis
Political analyst Dr. Sam Amadi of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought argues that overt infighting is counterproductive. “Publicly debating the vice‑presidential slot this far from election day invites unnecessary factionalism,” he says. Dr. Amadi recommends a balanced ticket—potentially pairing Tinubu with a North‑Central Christian running mate—to reinforce support in the Middle Belt without undermining Northern strongholds.

Experts note that modern Nigerian voters, especially younger electorates, are less influenced by traditional religious alignments and more attuned to governance performance, transparency, and economic conditions. Overemphasis on purely strategic ticket balancing may backfire if seen as cynical power‑play.

Moving Forward
To mitigate fallout, the APC should:

1. Reaffirm Party Unity: Issue clear statements underscoring solidarity between the President and Vice President.

2. Tone Down Public Jockeying: Postpone internal debates on the 2027 ticket until after primary consensus.

3. Engage Stakeholders: Conduct closed‑door consultations with regional and faith‑based leaders to ensure broad-based support.