As political consultations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, Vice President Kashim Shettima has stepped in to dampen the rising internal heat within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a strongly-worded statement released on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, titled “2027: Don’t Pull Down the Roof,” the Vice President warned that no individual ambition is worth destroying the party’s collective foundation.
The “Family House” Metaphor
Shettima’s message was built on the idea of the APC as a shared shelter that must be protected even during periods of intense internal competition:
- “Don’t Pull Down the Roof”: He likened the party to a family home, stating, “Even in the most spirited family, the roof must never be pulled down because one room appears warmer than another.”
- The “Unavoidable Arithmetic”: He reminded aspirants that while many will spend resources and consult widely, only one candidate can emerge for any given ticket. He urged those who may lose to accept the outcome as the “arithmetic of democracy” rather than an injustice.
- A Warning to Mischief-Makers: The Vice President specifically cautioned against the “theatre of politics,” where media narratives and vested interests are used to provoke suspicion and turn comrades into adversaries.
Addressing the Endorsement “Ripples”
The VP’s warning comes at a time when recent high-profile endorsements—such as the President’s backing of Obafemi Hamzat in Lagos and the emergence of Yusuf Buhari as a consensus candidate in Katsina—have caused some friction in certain party blocs:
- Preferences vs. Provocation: Shettima noted that while leaders and stakeholders will naturally have preferences for those they believe can consolidate achievements, “preference must never become provocation” and “influence must never become intimidation.”
- Transparency is Key: He called for party processes that are “transparent enough to command respect, even from those who lose.”
The Statesmanship Test
Shettima emphasized that the true character of a politician is revealed in how they handle disappointment. He urged aspirants to emulate President Tinubu’s style of “accommodation, persuasion, and resilience,” rather than burning bridges after a “rough turn” in their political journey.
