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TIME FOR A BOLD STEP: Vice President Kashim Shettima Should Leave the APC with HonourFrom Lateef Taiwo

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An Abuja based legal practitioner and human rights activist, Barrister Hamza N Dantani, has described the All progressive Congress( A PC ), North East Zonal meeting in Gombe on Sunday as an affront to Vice president Kashim Ibrahim.
“In a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, Hamza stated that the gathering of the North east Zonal stakeholders forum in Gombe, where an endorsement was made for president Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s 2027 election bids without the mention or inclusion of Shetima sent an obvious political message to vice president Kashim shettima- we do not need you any more”

According to the constitutional Lawyer and Right activist it appears the ruling party or potent forces within are gradually edging out the vice president who was central to their victory in 2023″

The respected Legal luminary called on the Vice president shettima- to leave the All progressive Congress, ( APC), with his honour intact.
While extolling the vice president for his political sagacity that culminated in the victory of the All progressive Congress ( APC), in the presidential election in 2023 , Hamza went memory lane

“As a Patriotic Citizen of this great Country, Nigeria, and a law-abiding observer of Nigeria’s political landscape, I have followed Vice President Kashim Shettima’s political journey with great admiration and pride. From his days as a commissioner to his transformational leadership as a two-term governor of Borno State, to his impactful tenure in the Senate, and now as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima has consistently proven to be one of the most refined, articulate, and visionary politicians in contemporary Nigeria.”

“In May 2025, 22 All Progressives Congress (APC) governors endorsed Tinubu as the sole 2027 presidential candidate without mentioning the vice president. In May, APC Northwest zone stakeholders emphatically endorsed Tinubu as their sole candidate for the 2027 elections without including the vice president. In doing so, the party sent a subtle message to Vice President Kashim Shettimaㅡ: We do not need you anymore”.

“However, today’s gathering of the APC Northeast zonal stakeholders forum in Gombe, where an endorsement was made for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid without the mention or inclusion of Vice President Shettima, sends an obvious political message. It appears that the ruling party, or at least its most potent forces, are gradually edging out a man central to their victory in 2023.”

“This is not just an affront to Shettima as an individual; it is an affront to the Northeast, to Borno, and to all Nigerians who believe in fairness, competence, and loyalty in politics.”

“Let us not forget: in 2023, Shettima traversed the North, defended the party, and brought intellectual weight and political credibility to the Tinubu campaign. His role was not ceremonial. He fought, he campaigned, and he delivered for the ticket. The North, particularly the Northeast, rallied behind the ticket partly because of his involvement. Today, however, the handwriting on the wall is glaring — the APC may be preparing to drop him as the running mate in 2027.”

“It is painful but not surprising. Politics in Nigeria is often about expediency rather than principle. But this is precisely why leaders must know when to draw a line. Vice President Kashim Shettima must not allow himself to be used and discarded. He must not sit quietly in the backseat while decisions are made to sideline him” he lament

“Now is the time to leave the APC.

He must do so with his head held high, not in bitterness, but with the clarity and dignity of a man who knows his worth and refuses to be politically humiliated. Leaving the APC now, while the ovation is still loud, will send a strong message — that he is not a political appendage but a force in his own right—a man whose influence transcends party structures and who still commands enormous goodwill across the North and beyond”

” Shettima’s political future does not begin and end with the APC. His pedigree and vision are far too important to be boxed in by a party that no longer sees his value. He has the capacity, credibility, and following to chart a new political course, whether within a new alliance, movement, or party”

“The North, particularly the Northeast, looks up to him. Borno holds him in high esteem. Nigeria needs his voice in the coming years. He must not diminish himself by clinging to a political structure that appears to have moved on without him”

“History will be kind to Kashim Shettima if he chooses courage over comfort. And if the Almighty wills it, he will become the president of this country shortly. It is time to show that he is not a political orphan but a statesman who can still shape the destiny of this nation, with or without the APC.”
Reacting to the rowdy out come of the Zonal stakeholders meeting in Gombe, Governor Zulum of Borno state also warned the party against any move to
dump vice president shettima, according to him the entire North east are behind vice president shettima.

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2026: Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Group Dismisses ‘Tinubu Must Go’ Campaign

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The Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu 2027 has dismissed claims that a so-called “Tinubu Must Go” campaign is gaining meaningful traction in Northern Nigeria, describing the narrative as exaggerated and disconnected from the realities on the ground.

In a statement signed by Hon. Ali Oriri, the network declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to enjoy solid and expanding support across the North due to ongoing infrastructure delivery, security gains and economic reforms that are beginning to yield results for ordinary citizens.

According to the group, attempts to project isolated discontent as a widespread northern revolt ignore the substantial work being done by the administration and the loyalty of key stakeholders who recognise the difficult but necessary decisions taken since 2023.

The network said its mobilisation efforts are already consolidating grassroots structures in preparation for the 2027 elections.

“The so-called Tinubu Must Go movement is making noise, but noise is not the same as organised political strength,” Oriri stated.

“What we see in the North is growing appreciation for the roads being constructed, the power projects advancing, and the renewed focus on security that is gradually restoring confidence in many communities.”

He added: “President Tinubu inherited deep structural problems. The reforms he embarked upon were tough, but they are laying the foundation for a stronger economy.

“Our network is on the ground educating our people on these realities and organising them for 2027.”

The Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu 2027 emphasised that Northern Nigeria remains a critical political base and that genuine engagement with traditional institutions, youth groups, women organisations and local political actors is already yielding positive responses.

Oriri noted that the network is working closely with like-minded stakeholders to counter misinformation and highlight measurable progress in infrastructure and security across the region.

He pointed to major highway projects, rail developments and increased investment in the security architecture as evidence that the administration is addressing the very concerns being exploited by critics.

The group insisted that any assessment of public mood in the North must go beyond selective voices and examine the broader picture of development and stability efforts.

“We are not blind to the challenges of cost of living and insecurity. No serious person is,” Oriri said.

“But we also see the deliberate investments in roads that link our markets, the push to improve electricity transmission, and the operational successes being recorded by our security agencies. These are not imaginary.”

“The people of the North understand that sustainable progress requires continuity of purposeful leadership.

“That is why the Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network is mobilising support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027,” he continued.

Oriri further accused promoters of the “Tinubu Must Go” campaign of seeking to capitalise on temporary hardships without offering a coherent alternative that addresses the root causes of Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

He maintained that the network’s approach is rooted in constructive engagement rather than opportunistic agitation.

According to the statement, the group will intensify town-hall meetings, community outreaches and stakeholder consultations across northern states in the coming months to deepen understanding of the administration’s policies and consolidate electoral structures.

“Our loyalty is to the Nigerian people and to the progress that is being made under this administration,” Oriri declared.

“We will not allow a campaign built on frustration alone to define the political conversation in the North.

“President Tinubu has shown the courage to take hard decisions. The Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu 2027 stands firmly with him because we believe continuity is essential for the gains already recorded in infrastructure and security to be fully realised,” he concluded.

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APC PCC Appoints Hafiz Kawu Director of Grassroots Engagement, Mobilisation

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has appointed Hon. Hafiz Muhammad Kawu Ibrahim, OON, mni, as Director of Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation, entrusting the former lawmaker and public administrator with the crucial responsibility of strengthening the party’s connection with supporters and voters across the country.
The appointment is widely viewed as a strategic move by the ruling party to reinforce its grassroots structures and deepen engagement at the ward, local government and state levels ahead of future political contests. As Director of Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation, Kawu is expected to coordinate outreach programmes, grassroots campaigns and stakeholder engagement initiatives aimed at expanding the party’s support base nationwide.
A seasoned politician with extensive experience in governance and public service, Hafiz Kawu previously served as Special Assistant in the Office of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo before representing Tarauni Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2019 and 2023 under the platform of the APC.
During his time in public office, he earned a reputation for grassroots development, constituency engagement and people-oriented representation. His political journey has been marked by active involvement in community empowerment programmes, youth development initiatives and sustained interactions with party supporters at the grassroots level. Reports on his public service record consistently highlight his commitment to maintaining close ties with constituents and promoting inclusive development.
Political observers say these attributes make him a natural fit for the role. Grassroots mobilisation remains one of the most critical components of electoral success in Nigeria, and many within the APC believe Kawu’s experience, accessibility and understanding of local political dynamics position him well to lead the party’s engagement efforts across diverse communities.
Beyond his legislative experience, Kawu currently serves as Executive Commissioner (Technical) at the National Pension Commission (PenCom), a position that further reflects his administrative competence and policy experience.
Supporters of the APC have expressed confidence that his leadership will further energise the party’s grassroots machinery, particularly among youths, women and first-time voters. They believe his ability to engage communities directly and communicate government policies in relatable terms will help strengthen public participation and reinforce support for the ruling party’s agenda.
A recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Hafiz Muhammad Kawu Ibrahim brings both political experience and institutional knowledge to his new role.
With this appointment, the APC appears to have placed a trusted grassroots operator at the heart of its mobilisation strategy, underscoring the party’s recognition of the pivotal role grassroots engagement will play in shaping its future electoral fortunes. For many within the ruling party, Hafiz Kawu’s emergence as Director of Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation represents not only a reward for years of service but also an investment in a political figure widely regarded as capable of connecting government policies with the aspirations of the people.

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Eggon Political Forum Endorses Ombugadu as Consensus Candidate for 2027 Nasarawa Governorship Race

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In what many observers are describing as a watershed moment in the political history of Nasarawa State, the Eggon Political Forum has officially endorsed Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the consensus candidate of the Eggon Nation for the 2027 governorship election.The announcement was made at a grand assembly held at Albert Event Hall in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, where leaders, stakeholders, and representatives of diverse groups gathered to deliberate on the future of Eggon political aspirations. The Forum, a non-partisan body devoted to fostering unity and political stability among the Eggon people, emphasized that the decision was the product of months of consultations, assessments, and feedback from across the state and beyond.The Forum acknowledged that six prominent Eggon sons had secured party tickets for the governorship contest, namely: Hon. Shuaibu Umaru Kubi (ACCORD), Gen. Nuhu Angbazo (ADC), Hon. Chris Mamman (ADP), Hon. Ibrahim Kassimu Aboh (APGA), Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu (PDP), and Mr. John Tanko Kigbu (YPP). While commending all six candidates for their courage and commitment to public service, the Forum explained that the need for unity and collective interest compelled them to adopt a single candidate. This, they argued, would prevent the fragmentation of Eggon votes and strengthen the community’s chances of producing the next governor of Nasarawa State.According to the communiqué, the Forum’s assessment was guided by several political considerations: party stability, grassroots presence, popularity across the state, structural strength of the political platforms, track records in previous positions of responsibility, governance experience, and manifesto credibility. On these grounds, Ombugadu was adjudged to be the most suitable candidate, having demonstrated consistency, political maturity, and a broad appeal across Nasarawa State.In a communiqué signed by Alh. Umaru Gwamna (Cingarin Eggon), Chairman of the Forum, and Hon. Chief Istifanus Dennis Abaku (Dan Masani Akun / Uban Garin Ende), Secretary, the Forum appealed to the other five Eggon candidates to rally behind Ombugadu in the spirit of unity. “We respectfully appeal to the five other candidates to kindly support and rally round the adopted candidate to ensure victory in the forthcoming elections,” the Forum declared.The Forum further extended its appeal to other ethnic nationalities in Nasarawa State, urging them to align with the Eggon people in supporting Ombugadu’s candidature. It stressed that while divergent interests are natural in politics, the collective interest of the land must remain supreme.Shortly after the endorsement, the Forum led a high-powered delegation to the palace of the Aren Eggon, His Royal Highness Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku, to formally notify him of the resolution. Speaking on behalf of the Forum, Chairman Alh. Umaru Gwamna briefed the paramount ruler on the aims and objectives of the Forum and explained the decision to adopt Ombugadu as the consensus candidate. He emphasized that the Forum deemed it necessary to seek the royal father’s advice and blessings as the Eggon Nation embarks on this united political journey.In his response, the Aren Eggon commended the Forum for its efforts to unite the Eggon people and described Ombugadu as a “blessed son of the Eggon Nation” who has consistently made his people proud. He noted that Ombugadu is not only an asset to the Eggon Nation but to Nasarawa State at large, wishing him success in the forthcoming governorship election. His Royal Highness also admonished all Eggon candidates and their supporters to shun politics of bitterness, propaganda, blackmail, and hatred, reminding them that leadership ultimately comes from God. “We as men can only do our human arrangements, but God alone can make it happen,” he cautioned.The royal father concluded by offering his blessings and wishing Ombugadu well in his political pursuit.The endorsement and royal affirmation are being hailed as a historic opportunity for the Eggon Nation, which has long aspired to produce the governor of Nasarawa State. With unity of purpose and the backing of traditional authority, the Forum expressed optimism that 2027 could mark the realization of this dream. Political analysts note that the move could significantly reshape the dynamics of the forthcoming election, as the Eggon people constitute one of the largest ethnic groups in the state. By consolidating their support behind a single candidate, the Forum hopes to maximize their influence and bargaining power in the wider political landscape.The Eggon Political Forum’s decision underscores the importance of unity, consultation, and collective interest in the pursuit of political power. As the countdown to the 2027 governorship election begins, all eyes will be on Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, who now carries not only the weight of Eggon aspirations but also the blessings of their revered traditional ruler.

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