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.
Politics
Gombe 2027:ADC Chieftain Garkuwa Babba Dumps Party for APC, Pledges Grassroots Support for Inuwa,Jamilu
By Our Political Reporter
The political landscape in Gombe State has recorded another major development ahead of the 2027 general elections, as a prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma, popularly known as Garkuwa Babba, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Garkuwa Babba, a former ADC aspirant for the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency and National Chairman of the ADC House of Representatives Aspirants Forum, announced his decision to join the APC when he met with the Gombe State Governor and leader of the APC in the state, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
The defection is being viewed as a significant boost to the ruling APC, particularly because of Garkuwa Babba’s political network and grassroots presence across the state.
At the meeting, the former ADC chieftain pledged to mobilise his political structure and supporters for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, specifically expressing support for Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s senatorial ambition, the APC governorship candidate, Dr. Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, and other candidates of the party.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Jamilu Gwamna and APC chieftain and philanthropist, Engr. Aliyu Mohammed Combat.
Why I Joined APC — Garkuwa Babba
Explaining his decision, Garkuwa Babba attributed his defection largely to what he described as Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s sterling leadership, performance and development record in Gombe State.
He commended the governor for what he described as tangible achievements across various sectors, arguing that the administration’s development initiatives had strengthened confidence in the APC among citizens.
According to him, his decision to join the APC was a deliberate move to identify with what he considers a development-oriented leadership and to contribute to the consolidation of the gains recorded under the present administration.
He also pledged to deploy his political contacts, supporters and grassroots structures towards ensuring the success of the APC in the 2027 elections.
Garkuwa Babba said his political mobilisation would extend beyond the governor’s senatorial aspiration to include the campaign for Dr. Jamilu Gwamna and other APC candidates contesting various elective positions.
Inuwa Yahaya Welcomes Defection
Receiving the former ADC chieftain, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed appreciation for his decision to join the APC, describing the development as a significant addition to the party.
The governor warmly welcomed Garkuwa Babba and his supporters into the APC and emphasised the importance of unity, loyalty and collective effort in advancing the interests of Gombe State.
Governor Inuwa said the APC remained open to individuals and groups who share its vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Gombe State.
He assured the new entrant that his political experience, grassroots network and wider reach would be valuable to the party as it continues to consolidate its political structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
Governor Calls for APC Unity
Governor Inuwa further called on APC members and stakeholders across the state to maintain unity and cohesion, stressing that the strength of the party lies in its ability to accommodate diverse interests while pursuing a common development agenda.
He urged party members to put collective interests above personal considerations and work together towards sustaining peace, stability and development in the state.
The latest defection comes at a time when political activities and realignments are intensifying across Gombe State ahead of the 2027 elections.
With Garkuwa Babba now formally joining the APC and pledging his grassroots structure to the party, the development is expected to generate further political calculations among the major parties as preparations for the next general elections gather momentum.
The development was contained in a statement issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe.
Politics
Yamaltu West Councillorship Aspirants Applaud Sa’adu Hassan’s Contributions to APC Development
By Our Correspondent
The Yamaltu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Councillorship Aspirants Forum has commended the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, for his contributions to the growth and development of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yamaltu West and Gombe State.
The forum gave the commendation on Wednesday when its members paid a familiarisation and solidarity visit to Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, also known as Sardaunan Yamaltu, at his office.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of Yamaltu West LCDA, Hon. Seyoji Ahmed Kunji, popularly known as Chiroman Kunji.
The visit, according to the forum, was aimed at strengthening the relationship between party stakeholders and APC leadership, while recognising Sa’adu Hassan’s contributions to the political and socio-economic development of the community.
Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the forum, Hon. Isma’il Aliyu, described the engagement as timely and significant, stressing the need for unity, cooperation and collective commitment among party stakeholders to sustain the growth and success of the APC.
Aliyu commended Sa’adu Hassan for what he described as his commitment to the party and the people, particularly his efforts in public awareness, mobilisation and promoting cooperation among members of the community.
He assured the Executive Secretary of the forum’s continued support and cooperation, saying members remained committed to working together for the progress of the APC and the development of Yamaltu West.
Also speaking, the forum’s Secretary, Hon. Musa Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to Sa’adu Hassan for his dedication and efforts, describing his contributions as worthy of recognition and encouragement.
The forum members subsequently reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at promoting unity, development and cooperation among party members and stakeholders in Gombe State.
Responding, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan expressed appreciation to the councillorship aspirants for the visit, describing it as a source of encouragement that would motivate him to intensify his efforts towards the development of the APC in Yamaltu West, Gombe State and Nigeria.
He urged party loyalists to remain steadfast, united and committed to the ideals of the APC.
Sa’adu Hassan also cautioned party members against what he described as unsubstantiated statements and distractions from opposition parties, urging them to remain focused on community development and initiatives that would strengthen democracy and good governance.
He called on APC stakeholders to sustain peace and unity within the party, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
According to him, collective effort and cooperation among party members and stakeholders remain essential to achieving the party’s political and developmental objectives.
As part of the reception, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan presented ₦1 million in cash to members of the visiting delegation to assist with transportation expenses back to their respective localities.
He prayed for the safe return of the delegation and wished the members success in their future political engagements.
Politics
BREAKING: Gombe PDP State Youth Leader Jamilu Ali Kalshingi Resigns From Party
By Our Political Reporter
The State Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, Alhaji Jamilu Ali Kalshingi, has resigned from his position and membership of the party with immediate effect.
Kalshingi conveyed his decision in a resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the PDP, Bolari West Ward, Gombe Local Government Area of Gombe State.
In the letter titled “Resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),” the former State Youth Leader said the decision followed careful consideration.
He described his time as State Youth Leader as an honour and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work with dedicated members of the party in pursuing what he described as shared goals for youths in Gombe State.
“Serving as the State Youth Leader was an honour, and I appreciate the opportunity to work with dedicated party members towards our shared goals for the youth in Gombe State. I am proud of our milestones,” he stated.
Kalshingi explained that he had decided to move in a new direction which, according to him, required him to leave his affiliated party work in order to pursue broader commitments.
He, however, thanked the PDP leadership and members of the Bolari West Ward for their support and guidance during his time in the party.
The letter concluded with his appreciation for the party’s understanding of his decision.
His resignation comes at a politically significant period in Gombe State, where political parties and their supporters are already positioning themselves ahead of future electoral activities.
Kalshingi is also identified in the letterhead as the Executive Chairman of Dan Aleey Multiservice Ltd and Executive Chairman of Aljak Multi Global Ventures, with an address in Bolari Quarters, Gombe.
As of the date of the resignation letter, Kalshingi did not disclose in the document the political party or platform he may be joining next, nor did he state any specific disagreement with the PDP leadership as the reason for his departure.
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