Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Northeast have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to continue on the party’s presidential ticket in the upcoming 2027 elections.
This decision was reached during a Consultative Forum meeting in Gombe yesterday, attended by governors, National Assembly members, and prominent party leaders such as National Chairman Abdulahi Ganduje and former Senate President Ahmad Lawan.
The Northeast region includes Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe. Currently, the APC holds governorships in three of these states: Babagana Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and host Governor Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), all of whom were present at the meeting.
One key resolution underscored the ticket’s effectiveness for the region, warning that any changes could foster division among leaders. Nevertheless, a minority faction led by National Vice Chairman (Northeast) Mustapha Salihu suggested the name of National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for the vice presidency, though his interest in the role remains uncertain.
Attendees at the meeting described it as a strategic assessment of the political environment ahead of 2027, with many leaders advocating for continuity. “We have achieved much under this ticket, including significant appointments and projects,” stated one source. “Changing a winning team would be unwise.”
Usman Kumo, Chief Whip of the House from Gombe, publicly endorsed the ticket on behalf of the Northeast House of Representatives Caucus. Support also came from Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno and Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori.
Despite Mustapha Salihu’s dissent, the majority of the National Working Committee members from the Northeast supported the ticket, including Dalori and other key figures from Gombe, Taraba, and Bauchi.
The meeting faced disruptions due to Salihu’s opposing viewpoint, yet senior party leaders lauded the leadership of the President and Vice President, citing their transformative impact through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Governor Yahaya reaffirmed the region’s backing for the leadership, while Zulum highlighted the administration’s accomplishments in various sectors, arguing that the continuation of the Tinubu/Shettima ticket is essential for ongoing development and national cohesion.
Ganduje stressed the importance of unity, noting the region’s significant electoral contributions in the past and expressing aspirations for a threefold increase in support by 2027. He reaffirmed pride in the leadership of Tinubu and Shettima, asserting a commitment to the party’s constitutional principles.
The Forum intends to forward its resolutions to the APC’s National Headquarters in Abuja.
