Drama erupted on Sunday in Gombe during a key APC meeting. North-East leaders gathered to discuss party strategy and future endorsements.
But the meeting took a shocking turn. APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Zonal Vice Chairman Mustapha Salihu refused to back Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term.
The event, convened by Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni, aimed to rally support for the Tinubu-Shettima 2027 ticket.
However, both Ganduje and Salihu avoided mentioning Shettima in their speeches. Their silence sparked outrage among some party members.
Eyewitnesses said angry delegates tried to confront the two leaders. Security officers quickly escorted them out of the venue.
Almost all North-East APC governors, ministers, and lawmakers attended the meeting. But only Deputy National Chairman Bukar Dalori publicly endorsed Tinubu and Shettima for reelection.
Political analysts say this move hints at a possible internal rift. Some suspect a plot to replace Shettima before the next election cycle.
Observers compare this moment to a 2002 incident. Then, PDP leaders endorsed President Obasanjo but ignored his vice, Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku later revealed he had considered running for president himself. Obasanjo eventually picked him again—but their second term was marred by conflict.
In contrast, President Tinubu has shown no signs of rift with Shettima. The Vice President was crucial to Tinubu’s 2022 primary victory.
Still, the cold reception in Gombe may signal deeper power struggles within the APC
