APC Dismisses Claims of Protest Against National Chairman
A recent video circulating on social media sparked concerns that the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, faced protests for not mentioning Vice President Kashim Shettima’s name during the Northeast Zonal meeting in Gombe. However, Ahmad Aruwa, the APC Kano State spokesperson, has swiftly dismissed these claims, labeling them as misinterpretations.
Aruwa pointed out that the omission of Shettima’s name was neither unusual nor a crime, citing similar instances at the APC national convention and during endorsements by the Senate and House of Representatives. He emphasized that the lack of mention did not draw backlash in those instances, raising questions about why it would spark protests now. In an interview with Media Talk Africa, Aruwa stated, "There was no booing or protest against Ganduje. As a senior party official, he was simply escorted to his car, that’s all."
The controversy began when a video showed security personnel managing a crowd as Ganduje left the event, with some interpreting the scene as a protest by APC members upset over the omission of Shettima’s name during the endorsement of President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. Aruwa also addressed rumors about dropping Shettima from the 2027 ticket, saying, "What the Party Chairman said is exactly what was said at the APC national convention. There was no mention of Kashim Shettima’s name. The Senate reaffirmed its support for Tinubu’s candidacy without mentioning Kashim. Likewise, the House of Representatives did the same without mentioning Kashim. So why didn’t anyone protest at that time?"
Aruwa further clarified that both Tinubu and Shettima would be confirmed when the time comes, and there has been no official statement suggesting Shettima’s replacement. He attributed the noise around the issue to the Kwankwasiyya movement in Kano, stating that they are stirring up controversy because they see Shettima engaging with them politically.
The APC has urged its members to remain focused on party unity and progress, maintaining that the Gombe meeting was conducted without any irregularities. As the party moves forward, it is clear that addressing these controversies and reassuring its members about the stability of its leadership will be crucial. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the APC’s ability to navigate these challenges and present a united front will be key to its success.
