Shettima Urges APC Aspirants to Accept Primary Outcomes and Preserve Party Unity

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has cautioned aspirants seeking the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections not to destabilize the party if they lose in the primaries. His warning comes amid growing political activities and internal alignments within the ruling party.

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In a statement titled “2027: Don’t Pull Down the Roof,” Shettima emphasized the need for party cohesion, urging aspirants to resist actions that could fracture the APC. He warned against external manipulation, particularly by media narratives and vested interests that thrive on division.

According to him, political competition within the party is inevitable, as aspirants come with differing ambitions, support bases, and strategic calculations. However, he stressed that such differences must not override the collective identity of party members.

“There will always be those who whisper that one leader has been slighted or that one bloc has been excluded,” Shettima said. “These are familiar tactics designed to provoke suspicion and turn allies into adversaries before the real contest begins.”

He underscored that leadership requires restraint and maturity, especially in the face of provocation. Raising rhetorical questions, he asked who benefits when party members engage in internal conflict or weaken their platform ahead of national elections.

The Vice President also addressed the realities of party primaries, noting that only one candidate can emerge from the process. He explained that while many aspirants invest time, resources, and political capital, the eventual outcome should not automatically be viewed as injustice.

“For every ticket, only one candidate will emerge,” he stated. “That outcome, however painful, is often the unavoidable arithmetic of democracy.”

Shettima further highlighted the importance of character in politics, arguing that the true measure of a politician lies not in victory but in how they handle defeat. He noted that while success is easy to celebrate, managing disappointment requires discipline and integrity.

On the contentious issue of endorsements, which has generated debate within the APC, Shettima acknowledged that political leaders and stakeholders naturally express preferences. However, he warned that such endorsements must not become tools of coercion or exclusion.

“Preference must never become provocation. Influence must never become intimidation,” he said, adding that the credibility of the party’s internal processes is essential to maintaining legitimacy.

He also called on party leaders to ensure fairness in handling aspirants, emphasizing that all contenders deserve respect and equal treatment throughout the process.

As Nigeria gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections, internal party dynamics are becoming increasingly significant, particularly within the ruling APC. The process of selecting candidates through primaries often tests party unity, as competing interests, regional considerations, and political alliances come into play.

Historically, disputes arising from party primaries in Nigeria have led to defections, parallel structures, and legal battles, sometimes weakening parties ahead of general elections. Shettima’s warning reflects an awareness of these risks and a proactive attempt to prevent internal crises.

The issue of endorsements has also been a recurring source of tension in Nigerian politics, where influential figures often back preferred candidates. While such practices are common, they can create perceptions of bias or imposition if not carefully managed.

Maintaining unity within the APC will be critical as the party prepares to face opposition groups that are also strategizing for 2027. A divided ruling party could undermine its electoral strength and public confidence.

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s message to APC aspirants underscores the importance of discipline, fairness, and unity as the party approaches its primary elections. By urging contenders to accept outcomes and avoid actions that could weaken the party, he highlights the broader goal of sustaining cohesion ahead of the 2027 polls. His remarks serve as both a warning and a reminder that internal stability is essential for political success in Nigeria’s competitive electoral landscape.