The North-Central Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared that only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the constitutional right to choose his running mate for the 2027 general elections.
The forum made the statement on Monday in response to controversy that erupted at the APC North-East zonal meeting held in Gombe on Sunday.
The event, which was reportedly intended to endorse the joint ticket of President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, took a violent turn after some key party figures, including the National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, failed to acknowledge Mr. Shettima in their remarks.
The incident sparked outrage among delegates, with some attempting to attack Mr. Ganduje and North-East APC Chairman Mustapha Salihu, highlighting growing internal competition over the 2027 vice-presidential slot among Northern regions.
Reacting to the incident, APC North-Central Zonal Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, defended Ganduje’s actions and reaffirmed the President’s exclusive prerogative to select a running mate.
“It is the President’s exclusive right to choose his vice president,” Zazzaga said in a statement. “Nobody can compel President Bola Tinubu to select a particular individual; it is his decision to nominate someone he believes he can work with. The party leadership only provides strategic advice in the best interest of the APC.”
Describing the Gombe disruption as “unfortunate,” Zazzaga called on party members to remain calm and not allow isolated incidents to distract from the APC’s broader achievements and unity.
“What occurred in Gombe is an isolated incident and will not disrupt the state of affairs in our party.
“The APC remains a strong, united institution under the capable leadership of President Tinubu and Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje,” he stated.
The North-Central forum praised Ganduje for his neutrality and commitment to constitutional principles and party unity, hailing him as a leader focused on cohesion and progress.
The forum also emphasized the strategic importance of the North-Central zone to the APC’s success, citing its contribution of over 1.7 million votes in the 2023 presidential election and vowing to deliver six million votes in 2027.
“With President Tinubu and Alhaji Ganduje leading the way, the APC is in safe hands,” the statement concluded. “We urge all members to avoid actions that could cause confusion or distract our leaders from the commendable work they are doing for the party and the country.”
The North-Central APC’s statement appears to be a strategic move to douse political tension, reinforce party unity, and counter any emerging rifts within the party ahead of the 2027 polls.
