Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that internal divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) pose a greater threat to the party's chances in the 2027 general elections than any opposition party. Speaking on Saturday, October 17, in Abuja, Shettima made the remarks during the unveiling of the campaign headquarters of Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A), a northern coalition supporting President Bola Tinubu's re-election, and the formal inauguration of its campaign structure.
Shettima's Candid Admission: Fear of Internal Contradictions
Addressing party faithful, Shettima stated, "Honestly, I am not afraid of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I am not afraid of a diminished Peter Obi. But I am more afraid of internal contradictions within our household. If we unite as a people, as a family, we will conquer." The Vice President's comments, reported by Vanguard, underscore a growing concern within the ruling party about cohesion as the election cycle intensifies.
Shettima specifically cautioned northern APC leaders against undermining their own governors while championing the presidential ticket. "There is no point in championing the cause of the presidential election and then undermining the governor in the gubernatorial election. Honestly, it will not go down well with the system," he warned, according to The Punch.
Call for Unity and Respectful Competition
The Vice President urged party members to close ranks and support all APC candidates across all levels. "Let's rally round our governors. Let's rally round our members of the National Assembly. Let's rally round President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and see to the victory in the next round of elections," he added.
On former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Shettima advised party members to compete rather than attack. "Go and perform. Go and defeat Baba Atiku. Defeat him respectfully," he said. He reminded the gathering that Nigerians would return to the polls in under 100 days, urging the party to approach voters "with humility about the work outstanding and conviction about the cause we have chosen."
APC's Northern Strength and Economic Defence
Highlighting the party's dominance in the North, Shettima noted that 18 of the region's 19 states are under APC control. He also mentioned that 15 of the 18 House of Representatives members from Kano elected on the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) platform have since defected to the APC.
Defending the administration's economic reforms, Shettima said President Tinubu inherited foreign reserves of just $3.9 billion, barely enough to cover one month of oil imports, alongside Ways and Means expenditure of over N27 trillion. "Nigeria was on the road to Caracas. The economy was teetering on the brink of collapse. He literally saved the nation," he said, adding that reserves have since grown to about $58.9 billion.
Endorsements and New Campaign Office
APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda called on the audience to formally endorse the President's return, citing over 900 kilometres of road projects in the North under the current administration. The Director General of A4A and former Jigawa governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, announced that the group's new campaign office is located at No. 4 Port Harcourt Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja. "Let it be understood that this building is more than just a campaign office. It is a message. It says that Arewa is serious," he said.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Prophet Ekong Ituen of the Prophet Ekong Ituen Ministries prophesied that President Tinubu will secure victory in the 2027 elections, attributing his prophecy to a divine vision.
