The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) witnessed internal turbulence last week as its North-East zonal meeting descended into chaos, with high-ranking party leaders clashing over perceived marginalization of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Viral videos from the meeting showed Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, visibly upset, and at one point appearing to confront the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, in what looked like a heated exchange. Though Ganduje remained seated, Governor Zulum’s body language and raised voice made clear his dissatisfaction with the proceedings.
Central to the controversy is an alleged attempt by Ganduje and his team to sideline Vice President Shettima while pushing an endorsement for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. The exclusion did not sit well with loyalists of the VP, particularly from the North-East.
One of Shettima’s prominent allies, Engr. Bashir Buba Muhammad, took to Facebook to express outrage, accusing Ganduje of attempting to “steal” the VP’s position. In a scathing post, Muhammad even resurrected the infamous “Kano dollar” video saga, which previously cast a shadow over Ganduje’s tenure as Kano governor. He quoted Governor Zulum saying, “No Kashim, no APC in the North.”
In response, the Kano State chapter of the APC has firmly denied any plot against Vice President Shettima. Speaking to Daily Post, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Ahmed S. Aruwa, dismissed the allegations.
“To the best of my knowledge, the APC Chairman has never expressed interest in Shettima’s position. It was never discussed, and he holds no such ambition,” Aruwa stated.
He attributed the outrage to political opponents, specifically supporters of former Kano governor and NNPP leader, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
“This is typical of the Kwankwasiyya movement — always looking to exploit perceived cracks in the APC. They have no space in our party and will not be welcomed back,” Aruwa added.
Commenting on the unfolding drama, political analyst Professor Kamilu Sani Fagge of Bayero University, Kano, warned that the internal discord could snowball into bigger issues for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This isn’t just about personalities. It reflects a growing fault line in the party’s structure, especially in the North. If not resolved early, the opposition could take advantage of this disunity,” Fagge said.
As political temperatures rise within the APC, many observers believe how the party handles its internal power dynamics, particularly involving Northern stakeholders, will shape its fortunes going into the next electoral cycle.
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