The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Parliament, North-East Zone, has issued a stern warning against the circulation of rumors concerning the potential substitution of Vice President Kashim Shettima in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. The group’s chairman, Kabiru Kobi, addressed a press conference in Bauchi, emphasizing that such a move would not only fracture the party’s unity but also significantly jeopardize President Bola Tinubu’s re-election prospects. Kobi underscored the unsettling effect of these speculations, highlighting the potential for internal strife and its debilitating impact on the APC’s performance in the forthcoming elections. He urged party stakeholders to draw lessons from past political failures, specifically referencing the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) defeat in 2015 as a cautionary tale against internal conflicts leading to implosion. The Youth Parliament unequivocally expressed their unwavering support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket for 2027, describing the pair as “tested and trusted” leaders.
The group’s chairman directly addressed the potential consequences of altering the existing presidential ticket. He argued that any attempt to replace Shettima would breed resentment within the party, with repercussions that could extend beyond the election cycle and negatively impact the APC’s future success. He warned against repeating the errors of the PDP, whose past actions continue to haunt the party. Kobi raised critical questions about the party’s ability to withstand internal machinations and the potential for unchecked ambition to overshadow rational decision-making, thereby jeopardizing the party’s trajectory towards the 2027 elections.
Kobi further asserted that the attacks disguised as concerns about Shettima are, in reality, targeted at President Tinubu. He argued that those advocating for Shettima’s replacement aim to install someone with a weaker political standing, anticipating that Shettima would urge his supporters to accept the decision, leaving Tinubu to bear the brunt of public dissatisfaction. Kobi framed this as a calculated move based on the assumption that God, in his inherent fairness, would not condone such an act of injustice. This statement suggests the group’s belief that such a maneuver would ultimately backfire on those orchestrating it.
The APC Youth Parliament pledged its continued and unwavering support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, urging all party members to unite behind the duo. The call for unity underscores the group’s recognition of the importance of a cohesive front in the face of potential internal and external challenges. This commitment signifies the youth wing’s active role in mobilizing support for the current leadership and promoting party cohesion. Kobi also expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions within the APC, warning that such discord could destabilize the party before the 2027 elections. He stressed the imperative need for unity and cooperation among party members, framing these as essential ingredients for success in the upcoming electoral contest.
The Youth Parliament’s strong stance against Shettima’s potential replacement reflects their belief in the strength and viability of the current presidential ticket. Their unwavering support for the Tinubu-Shettima partnership positions them as a key force within the APC, actively advocating for stability and unity within the party ranks. Their vocal defense of the current leadership signals a commitment to maintaining the established power structure and ensuring the party’s continued success.
Finally, Kobi reaffirmed the group’s confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and his vision for the nation, particularly highlighting his courage in implementing difficult economic reforms. This endorsement emphasizes their belief in Tinubu’s ability to steer the country in the right direction, even in the face of challenging circumstances. The group’s focus on Tinubu’s economic decisions suggests they view these policies as crucial for the nation’s long-term prosperity, despite any short-term difficulties they may present. This concluding statement reinforces their commitment to the current administration and their faith in its ability to deliver positive outcomes for the country.
