Northeast Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu for 2027, Stir Tensions Over Shettima’s Silence

The Northeast Consultative Stakeholders meeting held in Gombe has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, but the gathering conspicuously avoided any mention of Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima — a silence that sparked chaos among party delegates.

Trouble erupted when Mustafa Salihu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice Chairman for the Northeast, announced the endorsement of President Tinubu’s second-term bid. His omission of the Vice President from his remarks drew immediate backlash. Aggrieved delegates interrupted proceedings, hurling insults and threatening physical altercations.

In a bid to douse the tension, Mustafa Salihu appeared yesterday on The Morning Show, where he clarified that he simply read a communiqué that had been agreed upon by various Northeast stakeholders. With the Northwest, Northeast, and North Central regions all jostling for the vice-presidential slot in 2027, questions have arisen about whether Vice President Shettima’s position is under threat.

Observers have pointed to President Tinubu’s political history, noting that during his tenure as Lagos Governor between 1999 and 2007, he worked with three different deputy governors.

Speaking on The Morning Show, Dr. Okuku, Executive Director of Development at Specs Academy, stressed that the issue is less about the Vice President’s personal concerns and more about party discipline and unity.

“It raises concerns about party cohesion and solidarity within the presidency. The chaos points to a lack of genuine grassroots engagement, and it’s a warning to all political parties to strengthen their internal structures beyond election rallies,” Dr. Okuku said.

He further argued that while the Muslim-Muslim ticket hasn’t been directly challenged, the idea of a more religiously balanced ticket could help with public perception and national unity.

Dr. Okuku also criticized political leaders for focusing on 2027 positioning rather than addressing urgent national issues like insecurity, inflation, and flooding.

“Our leaders raise issues when it suits their political aims rather than tackling real community needs. This mindset must change if we are to see genuine national development,” he added.

The Gombe incident has become a focal point for discussions on party cohesion, inclusivity, and the direction of Nigeria’s political future ahead of 2027.