The Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, has publicly voiced his strong disapproval over the exclusion of Vice-President Kashim Shettima's photograph from a banner at a major All Progressives Congress (APC) event held in Maiduguri.
Speaker Lawan Questions Organisers' Motive
According to reports, the banner displayed at the event featured images of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, five governors from the North-East geopolitical zone, and the party's National Legal Adviser. However, it conspicuously omitted the portrait of Vice-President Shettima, who is not only the nation's number two citizen but also a prominent indigene of Borno State.
Addressing the gathering, Speaker Lawan described the omission as unfair and disrespectful, particularly because the event was taking place in Shettima's hometown. He drew a direct parallel to a similar incident that occurred last year in Gombe State, which reportedly triggered unrest among party members.
"This is what created the fracas in Gombe, and it's repeating itself here in Borno. I don't know the motive of the organisers, but it's not right," Lawan stated emphatically. He further challenged the organisers by asking, "How can the organisers exclude the picture of a sitting vice president, who is from Borno and the North East zone?"
Audience Backs Speaker, Event Details Revealed
The audience at the event responded to the Speaker's complaint with loud applause, indicating widespread support for his position. The gathering in Maiduguri was identified as the North East zonal public hearing for the proposed amendment of the APC Constitution. The significant event was attended by governors and other key stakeholders from the ruling party.
APC Chieftain Dismisses Rumours of Rift
This incident occurs against a backdrop of recent speculation within political circles regarding the stability of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed, a prominent APC chieftain and former member of the party's Board of Trustees, has moved to dispel such rumours.
In a recent interview, Ahmed asserted that the ruling party has no plans to replace Vice-President Shettima as President Tinubu's running mate for the 2027 election. He expressed confidence that there was no discussion about substituting the vice president and dismissed allegations of a rift between President Tinubu and Shettima. Ahmed attributed the rumours to individuals he described as ignorant.
The protest by the Borno State Assembly Speaker highlights the sensitivity surrounding political symbolism and protocol within the APC, especially in the home region of the Vice-President. It underscores the internal dynamics and perceptions that could influence party unity as the nation looks ahead to the next electoral cycle.
