Abuja, Nigeria – June 16, 2025 — A fresh political ripple stirred within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as Vice President Kashim Shettima openly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the APC North-East Zonal Summit but pointedly refrained from mentioning himself in his speech — a move many analysts describe as strategic and calculated.
The high-level summit, held in Abuja, brought together party leaders, delegates, and stakeholders from the six North-East states: Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, and Taraba. The gathering aimed to strengthen unity within the party and consolidate support for President Tinubu’s administration amid growing calls for political clarity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During his address, Shettima commended the leadership style and policies of President Tinubu, urging delegates and political leaders from the zone to rally behind the President’s developmental agenda. However, in a move that has since attracted attention, the Vice President made no reference to his own office or political ambitions throughout the endorsement.
Explaining his decision, Shettima later noted that the omission was intentional and rooted in principle. “This is not about individuals. It is about unity, direction, and our commitment to one purpose,” he stated. “Mentioning my role would have shifted the focus from what truly matters at this critical juncture — supporting Mr. President to deliver his mandate.”
Observers interpret the silence as a political masterstroke designed to deflect speculations around internal party jostling, especially within the top leadership ranks. The Vice President’s stance is seen as an effort to maintain cohesion in a region often politically sensitive and crucial to the APC’s national influence.
Political analysts also view the move as reflective of Shettima’s broader leadership style — measured, strategic, and rooted in long-term positioning rather than momentary spotlight. His remarks leaned heavily on the need for sustained unity in the party, improved security in the North-East, and the implementation of federal policies that would benefit young Nigerians, women, and small businesses.
President Tinubu, who did not attend the event in person, was represented by key officials and has yet to issue a statement in response. However, insiders suggest that the Vice President’s message aligns with the presidency’s current strategy of reinforcing unity across regions and downplaying distractions around future ticket compositions.
As the APC continues to prepare for the next political cycle, the North-East summit and Shettima’s carefully worded endorsement are being viewed as early signs of the internal alignments taking shape within the ruling party.
