The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations of an internal power struggle between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima following a controversial North-East zonal meeting that ended in disarray last week.
Tensions flared when videos surfaced showing Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, visibly agitated during a confrontation with APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The dispute reportedly centered around allegations that Ganduje and his team deliberately sidelined Vice President Shettima while endorsing President Tinubu for a second term.
Allegations of Power Play
In one viral video, Governor Zulum appeared to be reprimanding Ganduje, who remained seated during the heated exchange. The confrontation has sparked speculation about deepening divisions within the ruling party.
Supporters of Vice President Shettima, including Engineer Bashir Buba Muhammad, took to social media to express their displeasure. Muhammad accused Ganduje of attempting to "steal" the VP position, making references to the controversial Kano dollar video saga. In one post, Muhammad quoted Zulum as saying, "No Kashim, no APC in the North."
APC Refutes Claims
The Kano State chapter of the APC has strongly refuted these allegations. Speaking to BenriNews, the party's Publicity Secretary, Ahmed S. Aruwa, stated: "As far as I know, the APC Chairman has never spoken about wanting Kashim Shettima's seat. We never discussed it, and he does not harbour such an intention."
Aruwa emphasized that the Vice President's position is solely determined by President Tinubu, adding that there is still ample time for such decisions. He further accused supporters of Senator Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso of exaggerating the issue to create discord within the APC.
"They have been trying to capitalise on a loophole in the APC but found none," Aruwa said. "This is who they are — the Kwankwasiyya will try to cause chaos in the APC should they return to the party. That is why we would never welcome them back."
Expert Analysis
Political analyst Professor Kamilu Sani Fagge of Bayero University, Kano, warned that the incident points to deeper problems within the ruling party. Speaking to journalists, he suggested that these tensions could present significant challenges for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
"Although there is still time, the situation could signal a crack the opposition might exploit," Professor Fagge cautioned.
The incident comes at a time when the APC is working to maintain unity within its ranks, with the 2027 elections already casting a long shadow over Nigerian politics despite being years away.
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