APC’s Salihu Explains Why Shettima Was Left Out of Endorsement Speech
Mustapha Salihu, Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the North East, has addressed the controversy surrounding his recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu, which notably omitted Vice President Kashim Shettima’s name.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Salihu dismissed speculations of a rift, insisting the omission was misunderstood.
“In the last paragraph of my speech, I eulogised Kashim Shettima as our son. We are proud of him,” he said.
He explained that party endorsements during primary seasons typically focus on presidential candidates only.
“There’s only one ticket in party primaries. Running mates are not part of the equation until after the candidate emerges,” Salihu clarified.
He cited similar examples from Governors Inuwa Yahaya and Mai Mala Buni, who endorsed Tinubu without naming Shettima.
The controversy peaked during the APC regional summit in Gombe, where disruptions broke out after Shettima’s name was excluded from Salihu’s speech. Security had to intervene when Governor Babagana Zulum’s appeal for calm failed. Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South distanced himself from the endorsement, warning it could hurt Tinubu’s 2027 chances.
“I pity Tinubu,” Ndume said. “Endorsements don’t guarantee re-election. We must tread carefully.”
Salihu, however, downplayed the backlash.
“These are distractions from conflict entrepreneurs. We strategised with stakeholders across the North East the night before the event. Nothing was forced.”
He revealed an internal review of the disruption is ongoing and hinted that apologies may be demanded within 48 hours.
“Nobody was coerced. We followed the party’s guidelines,” he insisted.
Salihu concluded by reaffirming his loyalty to the APC’s internal processes, stressing that decisions on the 2027 ticket remain premature.
“It’s the prerogative of the presidential candidate to choose a running mate. Suggesting names now is putting the cart before the horse.”
