Politics
A Lesson for the Northeast: Unity, Respect, and Strategic Inclusion in APC Politics
By Dr. Tukur Madu Yemi
Federal University of Kashere, Gombe
16th June 2025
The recent political drama at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Northeast stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe State offers a sobering but timely lesson one about unity, mutual respect, and the necessity of strategic inclusion in national politics.
The uproar was triggered when Comrade Mustapha Salihu, the APC National Vice Chairman (Northeast), failed to mention Vice President Kashim Shettima a leading figure from the region while publicly endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. For many, this was not a mere oversight. It was a symbolic and potentially calculated act that insulted the collective pride of the Northeast.
The Core of the Crisis: Recognition and Regional Dignity
Vice President Shettima is not just any politician he is the highest-ranking political figure from the Northeast. In a party meeting attended by ministers, governors, lawmakers, and even the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, such an omission carried a loud message: that the region’s most prominent voice in the federal executive could be sidelined without consequence.
To compound the issue, Salihu who hails from the same region as Shettima seemed to align himself with a Northwest-led national agenda by championing Tinubu’s second-term bid without referencing or acknowledging the role and stake of the Northeast in that vision. This raised deep concerns about loyalty, regional unity, and intra-party equity.
A Dangerous Signal: When Regional Champions Abandon Their Own
In a political landscape where zoning, regional balancing, and power-sharing are pivotal to stability, such an action by a supposed National Vice Chairman for the Northeast sends a dangerous signal. It portrays a scenario where a leader entrusted with defending regional interests instead becomes a pawn in broader national calculations even at the expense of his own constituency.
This is not just poor judgment; it is political betrayal.
When regional leaders abandon their own at crucial political moments, it sends a message to other zones that the Northeast lacks internal cohesion, and therefore, lacks bargaining strength. This perception, unfortunately, becomes reality and the region suffers the consequences in appointments, policy consideration, and federal presence.
The Real Lesson: Unity Is the Region’s Strength
The Northeast has long played the role of the political underdog. Yet, with Vice President Shettima in office, the region now stands on firmer ground. However, influence in Abuja is not sustained by titles alone it is sustained by regional cohesion and collective resolve.
When internal fractures begin to appear when sons of the soil become instruments of marginalization the region loses its bargaining power.
It is worth asking: would any leader from the Southwest or Northwest dare to exclude one of their own at such a critical political gathering? Certainly not. Those regions have mastered the politics of unity and strategic assertion. The Northeast must now do the same or risk remaining perpetually in the shadows of others.
Respect and Symbolism: Political Capital in Nigerian Politics
In Nigerian politics, symbolism is substance. Recognition is power. A name mentioned in a speech, a handshake, or a visible show of solidarity can mean the difference between marginalization and momentum.
That Vice President Shettima was ignored by his own party vice chairman from the Northeast was not just an affront to him personally, but to the entire region’s standing within the APC.
Leadership at this level requires emotional intelligence, political foresight, and strategic loyalty. To undermine one of our own at a time when the region should be consolidating power and building influence is a step backward.
What the Northeast Must Do: Strategic Recalibration
This incident must not be dismissed as a one-off embarrassment. It is a wake-up call.
The Northeast must urgently reassess its internal political coordination. Stakeholders must:
Close ranks and avoid internal sabotage.
Ensure that those in leadership roles act in alignment with the region’s collective interest.
Begin early consultations on the 2027 political trajectory not just as cheerleaders of others but as active participants in shaping national power.
Hold regional representatives accountable for missteps that weaken the Northeast’s position.
It is time for the Northeast to rise with one voice and demand its rightful place not through conflict, but through cohesion, strategy, and loyalty to its own.
National Loyalty vs. Regional Responsibility: Striking the Balance
The most disheartening aspect of the Gombe incident was not just the omission, but the perception that a Northeast leader would compromise his regional duty to please power blocs from other zones. The presence of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, APC National Chairman and a key figure from the Northwest, only amplified the tension. The optics were clear: while the Northwest is tactically advancing its interests, some in the Northeast appear too eager to play along — even when it means undermining their own.
This misstep will not be forgotten quickly, and the consequences are political and psychological. At a time when the region should consolidate its gains and rally behind its highest office holder since 1999, internal betrayal only weakens the negotiating table. It emboldens other zones to disregard the Northeast when it comes to power-sharing, appointments, or national agenda-setting.
Conclusion: Never Again
Let this serve as a political baptism for the Northeast APC a moment to reset and recalibrate. The region must not allow personal ambition or external influence to dictate its internal alignment. Any stakeholder who cannot defend or even acknowledge a sitting Vice President from his own backyard has no business speaking for the region.
Political respect must be earned, but it must also be demanded. The Northeast has earned its place in national politics. Going forward, its leaders must learn to defend it, project it, and unify behind it. Anything less is not just unacceptable it’s a disservice to the millions who look to the region’s leaders for representation and progress.
History is watching. And so is 2027.
By Our Political Reporter
The Gombe APC Councillor Aspirants Forum has announced plans to hold a gathering aimed at demonstrating its support and solidarity with a candidate ahead of the forthcoming political activities in the state.
The event, scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., will take place at the Educational Resources Centre, Tashan Dukku, Gombe State.
According to the invitation notice issued by the Gombe APC Councillor Aspirants Forum (GOCAF-2020/2026), the gathering is being organised to demonstrate the forum’s support and unity among APC councillor aspirants.
The organisers said the event will also provide an opportunity to present the activities, contributions and plans of the forum towards strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) and contributing to what they described as the success of the party.
The invitation specifically describes the programme as “A Gathering in Support of Candidate”, although the name of the candidate is obscured on the copy of the invitation available for publication.
The forum said the gathering is expected to bring together members and stakeholders associated with the APC councillorship aspirants’ platform to discuss issues concerning the party and its grassroots structures.
The development comes as political activities and preparations for the 2027 general elections continue to intensify across Gombe State and other parts of Nigeria. Recent reporting has also documented increased political activity involving major parties in Gombe ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisers invited members, supporters and other relevant stakeholders to attend the gathering, which they said would provide an avenue to showcase the forum’s activities and its contribution to the development of the APC.
The invitation listed the contact numbers 08062863525, 09116706265 and 08031107293 for further enquiries.
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Venue: Educational Resources Centre, Tashan Dukku, Gombe State.
By Our Political Correspondent
The Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in Gombe State has unveiled a 21-member campaign structure for its governorship campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The structure, described in the document as the “Approved Structure of the Alliance for Progressive Movement (APM) Gombe State Gubernatorial Campaign Team,” is headed by the Director-General, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Jibrin of Akko Local Government Area.
The campaign structure was formally approved and endorsed by the party’s Gombe State governorship candidate, Dr. Lamela L. Silas, according to the document.
The development comes as the APM continues to strengthen its organisational structure in the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Dr. Silas and Alhaji Wadaji Umar Lawan were unveiled as the party’s governorship and deputy governorship candidates respectively in August 2026.
Under the approved structure, Hon. Jethro Usman of Billiri will serve as Deputy Director-General, while Alhaji Sani Bappah Nafada is designated Assistant Coordinator North.
Mallam Baba Sama Kuri of Yamaltu-Deba will serve as Assistant Coordinator Central, while Hon. Garba Abubakar of Billiri will coordinate the Southern Senatorial District.
The position of General Secretary goes to Alhaji Hassan Dawaki of Dukku, with Hon. Abdullahi Muhammad of Yamaltu-Deba serving as Assistant General Secretary.
Other members include Hon. Baba Manu Kwami, Financial Secretary; Dr. Muhammad Basuna Lano, Treasurer; and Hon. Gaddafi Haruna, Director of Contact and Mobilisation.
Hon. Zakari Kwapondi of Kaltungo was named Assistant Director of Contact and Mobilisation.
In the media and communications arm, Hussaini Sani Babangida of Gombe was appointed Director of Media and Publicity, while Abubakar Abdullahi of Akko was named Director of Social Media.
The structure also names Isah Muhammad Lasdon as Youth Leader, with Yohana Peter Lalapido serving as Assistant Youth Leader.
The women’s wing is headed by Haj. Aishatu Yakubu Tula of Kaltungo as Women Leader, while Binta Maikudi Shamaki of Gombe was appointed Assistant Women Leader.
For organisational affairs, Comr. Abdullahi Batari of Balanga was appointed Organising Secretary, with Alhaji Muhammad Manu Isa of Funakaye as Assistant Organising Secretary.
The legal department comprises San. Luka Haruna of Akko as Legal Officer and Barr. Sa’idu Muhammad Wade of Yamaltu-Deba as Assistant Legal Officer.
Full APM Gombe Campaign Structure
1. Director-General (DG): Rt. Hon. Yusuf Jibrin — Akko
2. Deputy Director-General (DDG): Hon. Jethro Usman — Billiri
3. Assistant Coordinator North: Alh. Sani Bappah Nafada — Nafada
4. Assistant Coordinator Central: Mallam Baba Sama Kuri — Yamaltu-Deba
5. Assistant Coordinator South: Hon. Garba Abubakar — Billiri
6. General Secretary: Alh. Hassan Dawaki — Dukku
7. Assistant General Secretary: Hon. Abdullahi Muhammad — Yamaltu-Deba
8. Financial Secretary: Hon. Baba Manu Kwami — Kwami
9. Treasurer: Dr. Muhammad Basuna Lano — Yamaltu-Deba
10. Director, Contact & Mobilisation: Hon. Gaddafi Haruna — Gombe
11. Assistant Director, Contact & Mobilisation: Hon. Zakari Kwapondi — Kaltungo
12. Director, Media & Publicity: Hussaini Sani Babangida — Gombe
13. Director, Social Media: Abubakar Abdullahi — Akko
14. Youth Leader: Isah Muhammad Lasdon — Gombe
15. Assistant Youth Leader: Yohana Peter Lalapido — Shongom
16. Women Leader: Haj. Aishatu Yakubu Tula — Kaltungo
17. Assistant Women Leader: Binta Maikudi Shamaki — Gombe
18. Organising Secretary: Comr. Abdullahi Batari — Balanga
19. Assistant Organising Secretary: Alh. Muhammad Manu Isa — Funakaye
20. Legal Officer: San. Luka Haruna — Akko
21. Assistant Legal Officer: Barr. Sa’idu Muhammad Wade — Yamaltu-Deba
The composition gives representation to several local government areas and assigns responsibilities across coordination, administration, mobilisation, media, youth, women, organisation and legal affairs.
The APM has in recent weeks also engaged its national leadership in Abuja, with Dr. Silas and his running mate discussing party development, election planning and strengthening the party’s grassroots organisation in Gombe.
The newly released campaign structure is therefore expected to serve as an organisational framework for coordinating the party’s activities across the state as preparations for the 2027 governorship election continue.
The document lists the appointments as formally approved and endorsed by Dr. Lamela L. Silas.
Willies Ugo, Gombe
A socio-political group, Forward Nigeria, has kicked off its political advocacy campaign with a call on Northern Nigeria political stakeholders to respect the gentleman power shift arrangement between the North and South.
Co-Convener of the group, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who is also the Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, made the call at the formal unveiling of the group held at Barcelona Hotel Abuja, over the weekend.
Membership of Forward Nigeria cuts across all parts of Nigeria and Comrade Ibrahim Waiya said the group is of the view that since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, the North-South power rotation has been maintained between the two regions with a view to fostering national unity and even development across the country.
The group is therefore urging political stakeholders in the North to respect the principle of power rotation and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete the eight-year presidential tenure before the North seeks to reclaim power.
According to Comrade Waiya, returning the presidency to the North after only one term would undermine the principle of power rotation and risk reopening sectional tensions that have historically shaped Nigeria’s presidential politics.
Waiya argued that the North should not seek to claim presidency in 2027 after only four years of the current administration, insisting that allowing Tinubu to complete the eight years would provide political continuity and give his Government time to consolidate its policies, programmes and projects initiated for the overall progress and developmentof Nigeria.
He urged Northern political stakeholders to place the broader principle of national balance above immediate electoral calculations saying, “Nigerians should focus on governance and development rather than allowing the 2027 contest to revive sectional divisions”.
Waiya said, “the Tinubu administration inherited enormous economic and security challenges in 2023 and had since introduced measures which, were putting the country on a different trajectory”.
He cited Local Government autonomy, increased financial resources accruing to sub-national Governments and moves towards establishing State police structures as reforms that could strengthen governance and security.
Waiya disclosed that Kano State had already established a State Police implementation committee, which he added could contribute to job creation and improved security when fully implemented.
Waiya described “Nigeria Forward” as a bridge between policy and people as well as a platform for bottom to top citizens engagement insisting that the NF was not owned by any particular political party but has been dedicated to all Nigerians.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and co-convener of the movement, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, said the Federal Government’s reforms were designed to move Nigeria from infrastructure and connectivity to production, jobs and prosperity.
He said Nigeria’s development story, particularly in the North, should not be reduced to political slogans, urging citizens to examine what was being built, where projects were located, the problems they were solving and who stood to benefit.
Tochukwu Udeh said infrastructure should be judged by its practical impact, noting that roads should connect farmers to markets while railways should reduce the cost of transporting goods. He identified energy and digital connectivity as important to expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.
He described the administration’s development trajectory as “reform to infrastructure, infrastructure to connectivity, connectivity to production, production to jobs and jobs to prosperity,” and called on Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 to consolidate the reforms.
He urged Nigeria Forward members to make evidence, inclusiveness, innovation and national unity the foundation of their activities, saying the platform’s message of “Together We Move Nigeria Forward” should translate into a commitment to service, citizenship and national development.
End
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