APC accuses Kwankwaso group of trying to cause problems
The North-East Coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups has recommended the former Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, as running mate to President Bola Tinubu in 2027, instead of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Besides, following last week’s North-East zonal meeting of the APC, which ended in chaos, with the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and his team being accused of deliberately shunning Shettima while endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s second term in office, the Kano State chapter of the APC refuted the claims that Ganduje is looking to grab Shettima’s seat.
Rather, Rabiu Kwankwaso’s supporters were accused of exaggerating the issue, adding, “They have been trying to capitalise on any loophole in the APC, but found none.”
The Guardian reports that Dogara is a Christian from Bauchi State and one of the proponents of the Muslim-Christian ticket. The coalition chairman, Sha’abdini Bello, recommended Dogara, yesterday while reading a communiqué issued by the coalition members at the end of their two-day meeting in Gombe, Gombe State.
According to him, the decision to endorse the former Speaker for the Vice Presidential position was in the interest of national unity, inclusive leadership and Dogara’s track record.
“Dogara’s tenure in the 8th Assembly was marked by inclusive leadership as evidenced by his appointments, which represented every state in the North-East and the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. His proven track record as a unifying figure makes him a trusted and tested leader for the region and the nation,” he said.
The coalition reaffirmed its loyalty to Tinubu and Ganduje, calling on members and stakeholders to uphold unity, discipline and loyalty to the party’s ideals, “especially in this moment of Renewed Hope and National Rebirth”.
It appealed to Tinubu to expedite the procurement and implementation of the Akwanga-Gombe Road project, a critical infrastructure linking the North-East to Abuja and the rest of Nigeria.
Speaking to newsmen, yesterday, Kano APC Publicity Secretary, Ahmed Aruwa, said: “As far as I know, the APC chairman has never spoken about wanting Shettima’s seat.”
We never discussed it, and he does not harbour such an intention.” He added that the VP’s position is to be determined by the President himself, and there was still time to decide.
Meanwhile, political analyst, Prof Kamilu Fagge of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), told newsmen that the incident signifies a deeper problem within the APC, which could lead to major challenges ahead of the 2027 polls. He added that although there’s still time, the situation could signal a crack the opposition might exploit.
