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
ADC Aspirant Hosts Special Ramadan Iftar for Islamic Scholars in Funakaye
By Our Political Reporter
In the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and aspirant for the House of Representatives seat representing Funakaye Local Government Area, Kwami Local Government Area, and Gombe Local Government Area Federal Constituency, Engineer Ibrahim Musa Bajoga, has hosted a special Iftar for Islamic scholars.

The event, held on the 22nd day of Ramadan, brought together prominent Islamic clerics and scholars from various communities across Funakaye Local Government Area in Gombe State.
According to the organizers, the Iftar gathering was aimed at seeking blessings, spiritual guidance, and prayers from respected scholars during the sacred month, which Muslims consider a period of reflection, charity, and devotion.

Speaking during the gathering, Engineer Ibrahim Musa Bajoga said the initiative was organized to strengthen unity, promote religious values, and seek prayers for peace and progress in the constituency and the state at large.
He noted that the month of Ramadan provides an opportunity for leaders and community members to come together in humility and devotion, stressing the importance of spiritual support from scholars.

The Islamic clerics who attended the Iftar offered special prayers for peace, unity, and development in the constituency, Gombe State, and Nigeria as a whole.
Engineer Bajoga expressed appreciation to all the scholars and guests who honored the invitation, thanking them for their prayers and continued support.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting religious and community initiatives that promote harmony and collective progress, especially during significant religious occasions like Ramadan.

Observers say such gatherings have become a common feature of community engagement during Ramadan, where political and community leaders interact with religious scholars while seeking spiritual guidance.
The event ended with prayers for the prosperity of the people and peaceful coexistence across communities in the state.
Politics
Amaechi Joins ADC, Flags Off Digital Membership Drive in Rivers
By Our Political Reporter
Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has officially registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant political development that could reshape the party’s strength ahead of future elections in Nigeria.
Amaechi completed his membership registration on March 6, 2026, at his hometown Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, formally aligning himself with the party at the grassroots level.
The event was attended by party supporters, political associates, and community members who gathered to witness what many described as a defining moment for the ADC in the state.
During the ceremony, Amaechi also flagged off the party’s electronic membership registration (E-registration) platform, a move aimed at expanding the party’s membership base and making the registration process easier and more transparent for Nigerians across the country.
Speaking shortly after completing the registration, Amaechi emphasized the need for strong institutions, credible political participation, and renewed commitment to democratic values, noting that digital membership registration would help bring more Nigerians—especially young people—into the political process.
He said the ADC’s adoption of technology in its membership drive represents a new direction for political organization and grassroots mobilization in Nigeria.
As part of activities marking the occasion, Amaechi also commissioned the newly renovated ADC State Secretariat in Rivers State on March 7, 2026, describing the upgraded facility as a symbol of the party’s growing presence and readiness to play a stronger role in national politics.
Party leaders who spoke at the event expressed optimism that Amaechi’s entry into the ADC would strengthen the party’s structure in Rivers State and beyond, given his long-standing experience in governance and national politics.
Amaechi previously served as Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 and later as Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023, making him one of the most influential political figures from the Niger Delta region.
Political observers say his move into the ADC could boost the party’s visibility and organizational capacity, particularly in the South-South region, where major political parties have traditionally dominated.
With the launch of the E-registration system and the commissioning of the party secretariat, ADC leaders say the party is positioning itself for broader national engagement and stronger grassroots participation as Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve.
Politics
Appeal Court Set to Rule on Nine PDP Appeals On Monday
By Our Political Reporter
The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal is set to deliver judgment On, Monday, March 9, 2026, on nine appeals concerning the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a case widely seen as crucial to the party’s internal stability ahead of future political activities.
The judgment will be delivered at the headquarters of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria in Abuja, where party members, stakeholders and supporters are expected to gather to witness the proceedings.
In a statement signed by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, supporters were encouraged to attend the court session to demonstrate solidarity with what he described as the “authentic executives” of the party elected during the PDP Ibadan National Convention.
According to the statement, the court’s decision on the nine appeals is expected to provide clarity on the leadership dispute that has generated significant debate within the party.
“The presence and support of party members and stakeholders will be highly valued and appreciated,” the statement noted, calling on PDP faithful to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the court proceedings.
Political observers say the ruling could have far-reaching implications for the future of the PDP, as it may determine the legitimacy of party executives and shape the direction of the opposition party in the coming months.
Security is expected to be tightened around the court premises in Abuja as supporters from different factions of the party are likely to converge to hear the verdict.
The PDP, one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties, has in recent months faced internal disputes over its leadership structure, with several appeals filed before the appellate court seeking legal interpretation and resolution.
All eyes will now be on the Court of Appeal as it delivers its judgment on the appeals that could significantly influence the party’s internal cohesion and political trajectory.
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