2027: Clash Of Interest Rocks APC North East Stakeholders Forum Meeting In Gombe

*Governors exchange words,  provocations smear endorsement of Tinubu for 2027 Presidential election

By; SÀDIQ ABUBAKAR,  Maiduguri 

All Progressives Congress (APC) North East Stakeholders Forum meeting on Sunday in Gombe,  held at the International Conference Center Gombe ended up disarray as disagreement disrupted the well organized and coordinated  meeting following the refusal and absolute rejection of endorsement of President Bola Tinubu alone for the 2027 APC Presidential election,  without mentioning of Vice President Kashim Shettima as running mate on the joint ticket.

The announcement  of the single endorsement which was announced by the APC National Vice Chairman,  North East  Zone, Comrade Mustapha Salisbury created a vacuum and serious confusion and tension that threatened the continuity of the  zonal meeting.

The situation went uncontrolled  until security forces were deployed to calm down the disruption as even the APC National Deputy Chairman, Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State couldn’t control the delegates and tension.

Because it was speculated that the initial agreement of the APC North East Stakeholders Forum meeting was to endorse the joint presidential ticket and candidature of President Bola  Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima  in 2027.

But it seems  few of the  APC stakeholders were of the interest  and opinion of   APC ,presidential ticket of President Bola Tinubu and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the incumbent National Security Adviser to the President (NSA) who is from Adamawa State, instead of Kashim Shettima from Borno State.

Zulum was actually furious and angry with the whole ball game as he couldn’t hide his feelings and anger shouting at the host, Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, saying,  “Ashe Kai Munafukine.

 ” Haka mukayi da ku. Wanna cin amana ne. Agwaintakwaran Kashim Shettima a gidana.

” Ka mishi takwara for long. Haba” .  Meaning, ” So, you are a hypocrite,  is this what we discussed and agreed with you people? This is absolute betrayal and mistrist. You even have his namesake as  your child in your house since long time before you became governor. What is it?

“So, this what you will pay back the VP Kashim Shettima with after all that he has done to you,  good things and favours he has done to you,” Zulum said furiously, trying to reach Gombe Governor to slap him but he was stopped.

But the creator and initiator of the fight,  Comrade Mustapha  Salisu who many suspected  made the endorsement or declaration in  collaboration with Gombe Governor and APC Executives/stakeholders against Borno and Yobe states.

 APC leaders and elders in contrast to what was  earlier arranged and agreed upon by the caucus of the APC North East Stakeholders On  Saturday night at the Government House Gombe closed door meeting of the APC North East Stakeholders pre-meeting.

However, Mustapha Salisu nearly escaped beating and stoning by angered and aggrieved APC stakeholders from other states of the North East Zone,  leading to the deployment of security men  from outside the hall to come in and  stabilize the situation.

 But to no avail, as delegates  strayed leaving the hall, which  brought an impromptu end to the APC North East Stakeholders Forum meeting in dismay.

The two state governors of Borno and Yobe felt disappointed and embarrassed with the whole situation and how the meeting transpired and abruptly ended, compelling Governor Zulum to come out frowning and moved straight to Gombe International Airport for a standby aircraft for Abuja.

The Chairman, Northern States Governors’  Forum (NSGF) who is also the Governor  of Gombe State, Alhaji Mohammed Inuwa  Yahaya appreciated the unity and prevailing progress of the party while urging the party leadership of the North East Zone and state governors to take Nigeria to greater heights and tackle current predicament to the barest minimum.

He called on his counterparts, the APC governors from the North East to strengthen the existing  unity and cooperation between them and the party structure, while thanking  President  Bola Tinubu’s support and leadership style in showing boldness and courage to take the bull by the horn to rule the country commendably, despite the teething challenges and obstacles.

“APC has done well and assured APC will continue to well while Citing states like Borno State, Yobe State and Gombe State in terms of development,” Yahaya said.

He also called on the state governors to deliver on good leadership with focus on progress of the people and development.

Yahaya  also called on people to also continue  being patient,  while passing through the daunting challenges, calling on all to be focused and  look forward as well as be hopeful for better APC and Nigeria.

Earlier in his welcome.address, the  Coordinating  Chairman, APC  North East Zonal Stakeholders  Forum who is also the  Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni  thanked all the delegates and other stakeholders for honouring the invitation to witness the APC North East Stakeholders Forum meeting in Gombe.

Buni while commending the party leaders and elders for their support and solidarity in organizing the party stakeholders meeting, stressed unity of purpose and solidarity among stakeholders.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State acknowledged the support, cooperation and unity among the party leaders, elders and state governors, despite the odds, soliciting for President Tinubu and VP Kashim Shettima presidential ticket in 2027.

He commended the existing  synergy party leaders and APC governments in the overall interest of the people, citing few  people oriented projects he has executed and similar projects in other APC states, calling for people’s support and solidarity.

Zulum appreciated President Tinubu’s leadership and leadership style of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as national chairman of the ruling party, stressing unity and understanding among members and leaders in the general interest of the people.