The Traffic

Northeast APC Leaders Back Tinubu-Shettima Ticket for 2027 Presidential Race

By Achimi muktar

The North-East wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has spoken — loud and clear. In a move that is already stirring conversations across political corridors, regional leaders of the ruling party have endorsed the Tinubu-Shettima joint ticket for a second term ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

This decision came during a high-stakes Consultative Forum held in Gombe, where the region’s APC leaders, including three sitting governors, National Assembly members, and top party stalwarts, gathered to chart the future of the party in the zone.

For many in the room, the message was simple: "If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it."

“We’ve gotten a better deal under this administration — strategic appointments, critical infrastructure projects, and renewed visibility for the Northeast. Why risk all of that now?” said a senior source who attended the closed-door meeting.

While whispers of internal lobbying and alternative suggestions echoed through the corridors, including a lone push by North-East APC Vice Chairman Mustapha Salihu, the majority opinion leaned heavily toward continuity.

Salihu had reportedly floated the idea of considering National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in what some perceived as a bid to reshuffle the power structure. But his proposal was met with strong resistance and reportedly caused momentary disruption during the session.

Nevertheless, the endorsement train had already gained momentum. Endorsements came in one after another:

House Chief Whip Usman Kumo backed the ticket on behalf of Northeast House members.

Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno spoke for the Senate delegation.

Deputy National Chairman Ali Bukar Dalori reaffirmed the position of the zone's National Working Committee (NWC) members.

Only Salihu dissented, as the four other NWC members from the Northeast — Mohammad Ali Kumo, Zainab Ibrahim, Abubakar Maikafi, and Dalori — threw their weight behind the Tinubu-Shettima 2027 push.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno didn’t mince words. He highlighted improvements under the current administration in areas such as health, education, youth and women empowerment, and economic growth.

Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, the meeting’s host, echoed the sentiment. “Their leadership has brought renewed hope to this region,” he said, a nod to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje took it a step further. “This region delivered over 1.2 million votes in 2023. In 2027, we expect three times that. But unity is key,” he urged.

He praised the zone’s contribution to national leadership, stating:

“This zone has produced the number two citizen of the country. We are proud of the North-East, proud of Nigeria, and proud of our party’s progressive leadership.”

The Forum concluded with a firm promise to submit its resolution to the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. As the 2027 political season slowly begins to take shape, the Northeast's early declaration could set the tone for broader national conversations within the APC.

Whether this move quells or ignites internal tensions remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Northeast is ready to go all in — again — for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.