Shettima's Renomination Shows Loyalty, Say APC Leaders in North-East

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in the North-East have called Vice President Kashim Shettima's renomination as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 general election a reward for his loyalty, hard work and dedication in office.

They made this statement on Sunday during the North-East Grand Youth Celebration in Bauchi. This event supported Shettima’s renomination as Tinubu’s running mate.

Abubakar Zaid, the Director-General of the BAT/KSM Progressive Alliance, spoke at the event. He was represented by the alliance’s National Secretary, Shettima Umar. Zaid said the Vice President has shown strong loyalty and skill since he took office.

He explained that the gathering was meant to celebrate leadership, loyalty and the continuation of the Renewed Hope Agenda. “This gathering is deliberate, timely and important. We are here to celebrate leadership, loyalty and victory together. We are specifically here in support of and in honour of the renomination of our leader and mentor, Senator Kashim Shettima. It is not by chance; it is a reward for loyalty, capacity, commitment and hard work,” he said.

Zaid added that Shettima has been a reliable support to President Tinubu. He also said the Vice President has led several important government reforms. “The Vice President has been a pillar of support to Mr President. He has coordinated key reforms under his office, chaired the National Economic Council, championed programmes for education, micro, small and medium enterprises, food security, and ensured that the North-East remains carried along in major government policies,” he noted.

Zaid praised APC supporters, especially the youths, for staying strong since the 2023 elections. “You have mobilised, organised, sensitised communities and defended the mandate. Without the youth, there is no strong political structure and no victory. The celebration is for you because your commitment has kept the party united,” he said.

He assured young supporters that the alliance would keep creating chances for training, empowerment and engagement with the government. Zaid also spoke to women and party elders, saying they are essential for the party’s mobilization efforts.

“You are the backbone of mobilisation. Women reach places where others cannot. Elders provide guidance and experience, while the youth supply energy. Together, we will achieve victory in 2027,” he said.

Mahmud Muhammad, the Personal Assistant on Domestic and North-East Affairs in the Office of the Vice President, also spoke. He said Shettima’s selection as Tinubu’s running mate in 2023 was based on his skill, loyalty and understanding of governance.

“His selection was not for decoration. It was rooted in trust, competence, loyalty and the need for a partner who understands governance, security, economic management and national unity,” Muhammad said.

He mentioned that the Vice President has been crucial as Chairman of the National Economic Council by coordinating economic planning, food security initiatives, infrastructure development and reforms at the state level. He said the Tinubu administration faced big economic challenges but had to make tough choices like removing the fuel subsidy to fix the economy.

“The reforms came with pain, but leadership requires the courage to repair what is broken. Today, the foundations of the economy are becoming stronger through investments in infrastructure, security, social development and human capital,” he said.

Muhammad called on young people in the North-East to reject violence, hate speech, political thuggery and drug abuse. Instead, he urged them to embrace education, technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture and active civic involvement.

“We are not just political supporters; we are builders of a new Nigeria. Our support must go beyond celebrations to promoting peace, voter education, community service and responsible citizenship,” he said.

Lastly, Muhammad Tilde, the Bauchi State Chairman of the APC, spoke about the party's progress in dealing with Nigeria’s security and economic issues. “When the APC came into power, insecurity dominated national headlines, with bomb explosions and loss of lives reported almost daily. By the grace of God, substantial progress has been made, and we believe more solutions will continue to emerge,” Tilde said.