2027: Don’t destroy APC over ambition, Shettima warns party members over abuse of consensus

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to avoid actions capable of causing division within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against “pulling down the roof” over political ambitions.

In a lengthy statement titled “2027: Don’t Pull Down the Roof,” Shettima appealed to party leaders, aspirants and supporters to embrace moderation, unity and internal democracy as political consultations intensify across the country.

According to the vice president, the growing political activities within the APC reflect a healthy democratic process, but cautioned that internal competition must not degenerate into hostility and destructive rivalry.

“We must remind ourselves that a political party is not a battlefield. It is a family. And even in the most spirited family, the roof must never be pulled down because one room appears warmer than another,” he said.

Shettima warned party faithful against allowing themselves to be manipulated by political interests, media narratives and divisive actors seeking to create tension within the APC ahead of its primaries. “There will always be those who whisper that one leader has been slighted, that one bloc has been excluded, or that one interest has been buried,” he said.

“These are familiar tricks in the theatre of politics. They are meant to provoke suspicion, inflame supporters, and turn comrades into adversaries before the real contest even begins.”

The vice president stressed that the true challenge for the APC would come after the primaries, noting that only a united party could secure victory at the general elections. “A fractured party may produce a candidate, but only a united party can produce victory,” he stated.

He called on party leaders to ensure fairness, transparency and inclusiveness in the conduct of the party’s primary elections, while urging aspirants and their supporters to accept outcomes peacefully.

According to him, endorsements and political preferences are part of democratic politics, but should not be used as instruments of intimidation or exclusion. “Preference must never become provocation. Influence must never become intimidation. Persuasion must never become exclusion,” he said.

Shettima further warned politicians against destroying political structures because of temporary setbacks, describing politics as “a long road” where patience and loyalty often yield future opportunities. “We cannot all win at the same time. For every ticket, only one candidate will emerge,” he noted.

The vice president also urged APC members to place national interest above personal ambition, saying Nigerians were closely watching how political leaders manage disagreements and internal contests.

“A leader who cannot manage disappointment cannot be trusted to manage power,” he added.

Shettima praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating the values of accommodation, resilience and coalition-building throughout his political career, saying the APC must emulate those principles.

He appealed to party stakeholders to close ranks after the primaries and focus on presenting a united front ahead of the 2027 elections. “Contest, but do not destroy. Disagree, but do not defame. Aspire, but do not divide,” he said.

“We will all have our season, but only if the house still stands.”