Mustapha Salihu, the national vice-chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the north-east, has clarified his choice to endorse President Bola Tinubu for a second term without mentioning Vice-President Kashim Shettima. According to Salihu, this decision aligns with the party’s constitution.
His remarks came during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, following a controversial incident at an APC stakeholders’ summit in Gombe. At this event, several party leaders publicly endorsed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election but notably excluded Shettima’s name, leading to an uproar among delegates. The situation escalated, resulting in disruptions and threats of violence, prompting security personnel to escort Salihu from the venue.
In his defense, Salihu stated, “No party constitution permits a candidate to go into the primary with a running mate.” He emphasized that the party only has one ticket for the presidential candidate, and it is solely the candidate’s prerogative to choose a running mate after winning the primary.
He further explained that the party structure designates only one executive ticket per level of government, whether for president, governor, or local government chairman, with the running mate being selected afterward.
In response to the turmoil, the APC’s deputy national chairman, Ali Bukar, later intervened to reassure attendees by endorsing both Tinubu and Shettima for another term.