The North-East stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday, at a meeting in Gombe, Gombe State, endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for re-election in 2027.
However, the endorsement was not unanimous as the APC national vice chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, refused to endorse Shettima alongside the president; a development that led to a rowdy session during the meeting.
There had been questions over Shettima’s fate since party leaders endorsed Tinubu as sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election during the APC National Summit held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last month.
This had fuelled speculations that Tinubu might not run with replace Shettima in 2027.
Yesterday’s meeting in Gombe was attended by the APC national chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; the governors of Borno, Yobe and Gombe States, Babagana Zulum, Mai Mala Buni and Inuwa Yahaya, respectively; ministers and lawmakers from the North East.
Also in attendance were Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) and the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori.
In his welcome address, Governor Buni, who is the APC coordinating chairman for the North-East Consultative Forum, endorsed Tinubu for a second term in office, saying the president deserved re-election to enable him complete the “good works” of his administration.
“I would like to seize this opportunity to appreciate President Tinubu for providing leadership to the country amidst local and global challenges for Nigeria to move forward.
It is gratifying that the government has recently taken additional measures to tackle insecurity in the North East. We would continue to support, cooperate and work with the federal government and the security agencies for a more sustainable peace and security in the North East zone.
“In the last two years, the President Tinubu administration engaged in daring policies and programmes to improve the lives of Nigerians. Such reforms come with attendant difficulties, challenges and rough rides but equally, the reforms come with life changing opportunities of a renewed hope for a better life.
“This requires tactical planning and time. To achieve this, one term of office may not be adequate. It may require two or more terms to effectively and efficiently execute such programmes that would stand the test of time and serve the people better.
“Therefore, in the spirit of natural justice, fair play and national interest, the forum should consider the architect of these policies and programmes, President Tinubu, with the right of first offer and endorse him for the 2027 Presidential election to accomplish the reform policies and programmes for the benefit of Nigerians,” Buni said.
Buni also appreciated Vice President Shettima, “for doing the zone proud through his unalloyed support and loyalty, enhancing team work for the success of the government and party.”
He said the zone would continue to support the APC and the Tinubu-led administration.