The All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with growing internal tension as debate over the political future of Vice President Kashim Shettima intensifies ahead of the 2027 general election.
The controversy gained fresh momentum in Maiduguri, Borno State, during the APC North-East Zonal Public Hearing, where Shettima’s image was noticeably absent from an official banner showcasing prominent party leaders.
The omission sparked murmurs across the hall and prompted an emotional reaction from Abdulkarim Lawan, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, who publicly questioned why the vice president’s picture was excluded.
His remarks were met with loud applause, underscoring widespread unease within the party.
Although party leaders have downplayed the incident as an oversight, many APC members view it as symbolic of deeper divisions.
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Speculation has since intensified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may be under pressure to reconsider his choice of running mate in 2027, particularly amid renewed debates over the Muslim–Muslim ticket and calls for religious balancing.
Several APC chieftains and support groups, especially from the North-East, have warned against any attempt to sideline Shettima.
They argue that the vice president remains a key political figure with strong grassroots support and plays a vital role in maintaining the party’s influence in the region.
Youth leaders within the party have also cautioned that removing Shettima from the ticket could alienate loyal supporters and weaken the APC’s electoral chances.
Adding to the tension are reports of external scrutiny and internal lobbying, which some party insiders believe are complicating strategic discussions ahead of 2027.
While some voices within the APC advocate political recalibration, others insist that loyalty, continuity and stability should guide the party’s decisions.
Despite the growing controversy, Vice President Shettima has remained silent, offering no public response to the banner incident or the swirling rumours about his future.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, the APC faces a critical test of unity. Whether the party can manage these internal disagreements without deepening fractures may prove decisive for its prospects in the next general election.