A brewing crisis among governors of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked efforts to consolidate support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. Recent tensions, particularly in the North-East, have exposed divisions within the party, prompting APC governors to regroup and forge a united front. The conflict surfaced when Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum led a protest against the exclusion of Vice President Kashim Shettima from endorsements for Tinubu’s 2027 ticket during a regional meeting in Gombe. The omission, perceived as a deliberate slight, ignited chaos, with delegates booing and throwing objects, signaling deeper internal rifts.
Sources indicate a “silent coup” against Shettima, driven by some governors and party leaders questioning the sustainability of the Muslim-Muslim ticket amid economic challenges. Governors like Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe are reportedly distancing themselves from Shettima, with speculations of replacing him to bolster Tinubu’s northern support. Meanwhile, 22 APC governors have publicly endorsed Tinubu, passing a vote of confidence and rallying behind his Renewed Hope Agenda, as seen in a recent Edo meeting. They aim to counter opposition momentum, including a coalition led by Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, which claims support from 15 governors.
To strengthen Tinubu’s 2027 prospects, APC governors met former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna, urging him to back Tinubu and prevent defections to the opposition. However, the party faces challenges as some PDP governors, like Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, are reportedly considering aligning with APC. With political realignments intensifying, the APC’s ability to resolve internal conflicts and maintain cohesion will be critical to securing Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
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