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*APC Vice Chairman Explains Why Shettima Wasn't Mentioned in Tinubu's Endorsement*

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice Chairman for the North East, Mustapha Salihu, has clarified why he didn't include Vice President Kashim Shettima in his public endorsement of President Bola Tinubu during the party's recent regional summit in Gombe.

*The Reason Behind the Omission*

According to Salihu, the party's structure doesn't require a joint endorsement of both president and vice president during primaries. "In party politics, there is only one ticket at the primary level," he explained. The presidential candidate emerges first, and then chooses a running mate. This is why governors like Mai Mala Buni and Inuwa Yahaya endorsed Tinubu without mentioning Shettima, despite praising him.¹ ²

*No Rift Between Tinubu and Shettima*

Salihu dismissed speculation about a brewing tension between Tinubu and Shettima, attributing the rumors to "conflict entrepreneurs" who thrive on creating divisions. "Party affairs are not run on social media or television. The real work is done internally," he said. He emphasized that such rumors are common in Nigerian politics, where people try to sow discord between the president and his vice.³

*No Discontent in North East*

Salihu also denied claims that the omission sparked discontent across the North East, saying he had robust discussions with stakeholders from various states before the event. "I am in Yola right now. I have spoken with members from Taraba, Bauchi, Yobe, and Gombe. We spent the night before the summit strategising," he noted.

*Tinubu Will Choose His Running Mate*

Salihu described as premature any attempt to suggest who should be on the 2027 presidential ticket. "There is only one ticket. To suggest a running mate at this stage is to put the cart before the horse. It is the prerogative of the presidential candidate, not ours," he said.

The summit in Gombe ended on a tense note, with some party members disrupting proceedings after Salihu's endorsement of Tinubu omitted Shettima's name. Security operatives intervened to restore calm.⁴