“2027 Showdown: Shettima Fires Warning Shot at APC Leaders, Says Party’s Internal Crisis Scares Him More Than Atiku, Obi

Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed greater concern over internal divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) than the opposition parties ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, warning that disunity within the party could undermine its chances of securing another electoral victory.

Shettima made this known on Saturday in Abuja during the unveiling of the campaign headquarters of Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A), a northern political coalition supporting the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in 2027.

Speaking at the event, the Vice President identified internal contradictions within the APC as a more pressing concern than the electoral challenges posed by opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

“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,” Shettima said.

His remarks underscore the importance of party cohesion and strategic political mobilisation as the APC prepares for another fiercely contested general election.

The Vice President also cautioned APC stakeholders in the North against prioritising the presidential election while undermining the electoral ambitions of their respective state governors.

According to him, the party must adopt a coordinated approach that guarantees electoral support for its candidates at all levels, from the presidency to state governorships and legislative positions.

“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.

He urged party members to rally behind their governors, National Assembly members and President Tinubu to strengthen the party's prospects in the forthcoming elections.

“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.

Reaffirming his confidence in the political support base of the Tinubu administration in Northern Nigeria, Shettima declared that the region had already demonstrated its position on the 2027 presidential election.

“By now, I believe the North has spoken. We have spoken with a resounding voice and unmistakable conviction. From Adamawa to Zamfara, from Borno to Niger, we have spoken,” he stated.

He further reminded party supporters that the election was approaching, urging them to approach Nigerians with humility, renewed commitment and a clear understanding of the challenges facing the country.

“In less than 100 days, Nigerians will return to the polls. Democracy requires us to seek their confidence again, with humility about the work outstanding and conviction about the cause we have chosen,” Shettima said.

His reference to the election timeline reflects his remarks at the event.

Addressing the party's preparations for the contest, the Vice President urged APC supporters to challenge Atiku Abubakar politically while maintaining civility.

“Go and perform. Go and defeat Baba Atiku. Defeat him respectfully,” he told the gathering.

Shettima also highlighted the APC's organisational strength, citing its numerical advantage in party officials across the country.

According to him, Nigeria has 176,845 polling units, while the APC has 361,045 officials across its structures from the ward to the local government levels.

“There are 176,845 polling units across the country. The APC, from ward to local government levels, has 361,045 officials. What it means is that we can match every polling unit two to two,” he said.

He stressed that political appointees must demonstrate their influence and electoral performance within their respective communities rather than relying solely on their positions in government.

Shettima disclosed that he had asked the Borno State governor to compile a list of political appointees from the state down to the local government level, noting that their contributions should be assessed at the polling unit, ward and local governments areas.

Shettima Acknowledges Economic Hardship, Defends Tinubu's Reforms

Despite expressing confidence in the administration's economic direction, the Vice President acknowledged the financial difficulties confronting many Nigerian households.

He warned party leaders against becoming disconnected from the realities facing ordinary citizens, stressing that public applause should not replace honest assessments of the administration's performance.

“Every household struggling to make ends meet reminds us how much remains to be done,” he said.

“We lose our hearing when applause becomes our only source of information.”

Defending the Tinubu administration's economic policies, Shettima argued that the President inherited a fragile economy characterised by dwindling foreign reserves and substantial government financing obligations.

He claimed that Nigeria's foreign reserves stood at $3.9 billion when Tinubu assumed office, while the government's Ways and Means obligations exceeded ₦27 trillion.

“Nigeria was on the road to Caracas. The economy was teetering on the brink of collapse. He literally saved the nation,” the Vice President said.

He further claimed that the country's foreign reserves had risen to approximately $58.9 billion, presenting the figure as evidence of improvements in the administration's economic management.

However, Shettima's defence of the government's economic record comes amid continuing concerns over the cost of living and the financial pressures experienced by households across the country.

‘The North Has Nothing to Fear’ — Shettima Assures Supporters

The Vice President also sought to reassure Northern Nigerians about the prospect of another four years under the Tinubu administration, insisting that the region's interests would remain a priority.

“For the North, we have absolutely nothing to fear in a Tinubu second term. He has the North at heart,” he declared.

His statement was part of the administration's broader effort to consolidate political support in the region ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

APC National Chairman Endorses Tinubu's Second-Term Bid

Speaking at the event, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, moved a motion supporting President Tinubu's return for a second term and called on attendees to affirm their support.

“Today is a time for us to renew a mandate that was largely supported by the North, and the North again will largely support the return of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term,” Yilwatda said.

He also highlighted infrastructure projects in Northern Nigeria, particularly the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Maiduguri roads, which he cited as examples of the administration's development efforts in the region.

According to Yilwatda, the two road projects together cover more than 900 kilometres, which he contrasted with the approximately 700-kilometre Lagos road project he referenced.

The APC chairman maintained that the administration's infrastructure investments would strengthen its appeal to Northern voters as the party seeks another presidential mandate.

The Director-General of Arewa for Asiwaju and former Jigawa State governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, announced that the coalition's campaign headquarters is located at No. 4 Port Harcourt Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.

Badaru described the facility as “the biggest campaign office anywhere in the country,” adding that its unveiling represented the coalition's determination to mobilise support for the Tinubu–Shettima ticket.

“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.

He further disclosed that the coalition intended to conduct a disciplined, peaceful and issue-based campaign, taking its message to markets, farms, campuses, mosques and churches across the region.

The initiative is expected to serve as a platform for coordinating political mobilisation and expanding grassroots engagement in support of the administration's second-term ambition.

2027: APC Faces the Challenge of Unity and Public Confidence

Shettima's warning about internal contradictions highlights a significant challenge for the ruling party as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While the APC leadership has expressed confidence in its organisational structures and support base, the Vice President's remarks suggest that maintaining unity among party stakeholders will be essential to its electoral strategy.

His acknowledgement of economic hardship also points to the importance of addressing citizens' everyday concerns as the administration seeks renewed public confidence.

With the opposition preparing for the next electoral contest, the APC's ability to manage internal disagreements, sustain grassroots mobilisation and demonstrate tangible improvements in citizens' welfare will be central to its bid to retain power in 2027.

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