Shettima vs Tinubu: APC Accuses Kwankwaso Camp of Stoking Internal Rift

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing renewed tension following last week’s controversial North-East zonal meeting, which ended in disarray and sparked concerns over a growing rift within the party. A video clip from the meeting showed Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, visibly displeased, engaging in what appeared to be a heated exchange with APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The clash reportedly stemmed from accusations that Ganduje and his team deliberately sidelined Vice President Kashim Shettima while expressing support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition. The incident triggered strong reactions from Shettima’s loyalists, including Engr. Bashir Buba Muhammad, who took to Facebook to condemn Ganduje’s actions. In his posts, Muhammad accused Ganduje of attempting to undermine the Vice President’s position and referenced the infamous Kano dollar video scandal. He also quoted Governor Zulum as saying, “No Kashim, no APC in the North.”

In response, the Kano State chapter of the APC dismissed the allegations. Party Publicity Secretary Ahmed S. Aruwa told *DAILY POST* that Ganduje had never expressed any desire to take Shettima’s seat. He stated that such decisions lie solely with President Tinubu and emphasized that there is ample time to determine the party’s future leadership structure. Aruwa went on to accuse supporters of Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso of exploiting the situation to sow discord, warning that the Kwankwasiyya movement is known for creating instability and should not be welcomed back into the APC.

Political analyst Professor Kamilu Sani Fagge of Bayero University, Kano, weighed in on the controversy, noting that the incident reflects deeper fractures within the party. He warned that unresolved internal conflicts could pose significant risks for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. While there is still time to address the issues, Professor Fagge cautioned that the opposition may use the apparent disunity to its advantage.