APC’s internal contradictions scare me more than Atiku, Obi – Shettima
By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA — Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed greater concern about potential divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) than about the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During the unveiling of the campaign headquarters for the Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A) coalition on Saturday, Shettima emphasized the importance of unity within the party while launching its campaign structure. “Honestly, I am not afraid of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” said Shettima. “What worries me more are the internal contradictions within our household. If we unite as a people, as a family, we will conquer.”
Shettima urged northern leaders to prioritize support for their governors rather than pursuing presidential ambitions. “There is no point in championing the cause of the presidential election and then undermining the governor in the gubernatorial election. It will not go down well with the system,” he stated. He called on party members to rally behind their governors and members of the National Assembly to secure victories in the upcoming elections.
The Vice President maintained that the northern electorate had already made their choice. “By now, I believe the North has spoken. We have spoken with a resounding voice and unmistakable conviction. From Adamawa to Zamfara, from Borno to Niger, we have spoken,” he remarked.
With elections approaching in less than 100 days, Shettima stressed the need for humility and conviction as the party seeks the public’s confidence. He addressed the importance of respectfully challenging prominent opposition figures, specifically urging party members to “go and defeat Baba Atiku. Defeat him respectfully.”
Shettima highlighted the APC’s organizational strength, revealing that the party has officials covering all 176,845 polling units nationwide. “We can match every polling unit two to two,” he stated.
He noted the need for appointees to demonstrate local engagement, stating, “Politics is still local.” He has instructed the Borno State governor to compile a performance account for all political appointees at various government levels.
Discussing the party’s presence in the North, he pointed out that out of 19 northern states, 18 are governed by the APC. Furthermore, he reported that 15 members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) from Kano have joined the APC, confirming that the state’s governor is aligned with the ruling party.
Shettima acknowledged the struggles many families face, asserting that the challenges remind the administration of the work still needed to be done. He defended the administration’s economic policies, explaining that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited a fragile economy. “When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed leadership, our foreign reserves were a mere 3.9 billion dollars,” he said. “Nigeria was on the road to Caracas. The economy was teetering on the brink of collapse. He literally saved the nation.”
He expressed confidence in the future, indicating that for the first time in nearly 18 years, foreign reserves are now around 58.9 billion dollars. Shettima reassured party members that the North has nothing to fear regarding a potential second term for Tinubu, affirming, “He has the North at heart.”
During the event, the APC’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, called for support for Tinubu’s return in the upcoming elections, underscoring the president’s contributions to infrastructure in the North. “Today is a time for us to renew a mandate that was largely supported by the North,” Yilwatda stated.
Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, Director General of A4A and former governor of Jigawa State, introduced the new campaign office located at No. 4 Port Harcourt Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja. He described it as “the biggest campaign office anywhere in the country” and emphasized the group’s commitment to a disciplined, peaceful, and issue-focused campaign. A4A plans to engage voters in various venues, including markets, farms, and religious institutions.
