Shettima Urges Unity in APC, Warns Against Division Ahead of 2027 Primaries

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has cautioned members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against actions that could trigger division within the party as it prepares for its 2027 primary elections.

Speaking in a statement on Thursday, Shettima warned against “mischief-makers” and vested interests seeking to create disunity, urging party stakeholders to prioritise cohesion and discipline throughout the process.

The APC had earlier released its timetable for the 2027 general elections, with the presidential primary scheduled for May 15 and 16. Other primaries are fixed as follows: House of Representatives (May 18), Senate (May 20), State Houses of Assembly (May 21), and governorship (May 23).

Shettima emphasised that political competition should not degenerate into hostility, describing the party as a “family” that must remain united despite differing ambitions.

“A political party is not a battlefield but a family. While ambitions and preferences are natural in a democracy, they must not be pursued at the expense of unity,” he said.

He warned that as the primaries approach, attempts may be made to incite suspicion and create divisions among party members, urging them to resist manipulation.

“There will always be narratives aimed at causing disaffection — claims of exclusion or marginalisation — but these are tactics designed to weaken internal cohesion,” he added.

The vice-president stressed that the strength of the party lies in its unity, noting that while candidates may emerge through primaries, electoral victory can only be secured through collective effort.

“A fractured party may produce a candidate, but only a united party can secure victory,” he said.

Shettima also cautioned against the misuse of influence and endorsements, warning that they should not be tools for intimidation or exclusion. He called on party leaders to ensure fairness, transparency, and respect for all aspirants, while allowing delegates to vote freely.

He further urged stakeholders to promptly address grievances to prevent escalation, stressing that no political ambition should override the stability of the party.

“No ambition is worth the destruction of the platform that nurtured it,” he stated.

The vice-president noted that Nigerians are closely observing political actors and their conduct, urging party members to demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and commitment to national service.

He also referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political approach, highlighting the importance of accommodation, resilience, and coalition-building in sustaining party strength.

Shettima concluded by appealing for unity across all levels of the party.

“Contest, but do not destroy. Disagree, but do not defame. Aspire, but do not divide,” he said.

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