How Zulum's Protest Exposed a Crack in Tinubu's 2027 Plans | READ DETAILS

An explosive drama unfolded in Gombe on Sunday as Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum led a dramatic protest at a regional APC meeting, accusing party leaders of deliberately endorsing President Bola Tinubu for 2027 without including Vice President Kashim Shettima-the only senior figure from the North-East.

The meeting, attended by national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, National Vice Chairman (North-East) Mustapha Salihu, and dozens of delegates, was thrown into chaos when Zulum and several fiery Northeastern stakeholders stormed the podium, demanding that Shettima be recognized as the running mate.

Eyewitnesses describe scenes of heated argument as Ganduje and Salihu were heavily escorted out under tight security, capping a session that ended abruptly amid shouts and confusion. Some delegates were reportedly injured in the rush for exits, though there are no official casualty reports.

Political analyst Abdul-Aziz Na'ibi Abubakar warned on social media that the incident may mark a turning point for the ruling party.

"The beginning of the APC's downfall has just begun as Governor Zulum led a protest ...ÔÇØ

The crux of the crisis lies in the glaring omission of Shettima-popularly nicknamed "Borno FirstÔÇØ-from the endorsement, despite his roots in the North-East and his role in balancing Tinubu's ticket. Opposition voices are already calling the move a sign of political betrayal and a potential catalyst for regional discontent.

Last month, at the APC national summit, Chairman Ganduje officially endorsed Tinubu as the 2027 candidate, but failed to clarify whether Shettima would be included on the ticket. Zulum's protest makes it clear where the split lies-and it's far larger than a rooftop disagreement.

In response, the party's national secretariat issued a terse statement urging delegates to maintain unity and continue consultations, but offered no immediate clarity on Shettima's status-fanning even fresher speculation of internal disarray.

This disruption could redefine APC's strategy. With the North-East vital to the party's electoral pitch, any backlash or defection could be a thorn in Tinubu's side-especially with opposition parties eyeing fractures as an entry point.