By John Umeh
Internal Divisions Deepen Within Party as Key Stakeholders Cry Foul
A fresh wave of political tension has gripped the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the controversial and unilateral endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by a faction of the party’s North-East leadership. The declaration, which was made without broader consultation, has sparked outrage among other APC stakeholders in the region, deepening internal rifts and raising questions about unity ahead of future elections.
The endorsement was announced during a closed-door meeting of select North-East APC leaders held in Bauchi State. Led by a handful of influential party stalwarts, the group lauded President Tinubu’s economic reforms, infrastructural drive, and leadership style, declaring him the region’s preferred choice for continued leadership. However, it quickly became evident that the endorsement lacked the consensus typically expected for such a politically sensitive move.
A Region Divided
Multiple APC members across Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, Yobe, and Taraba have publicly distanced themselves from the decision, describing it as hasty, exclusionary, and unrepresentative of the region’s broader political sentiments. They argue that the endorsement was orchestrated by a select few acting on personal or strategic interests, rather than reflecting the collective will of party structures or grassroots members.
“We were neither informed nor invited. This endorsement is not only premature, it undermines the democratic ethos of our party,” said one senior APC figure from Adamawa who requested anonymity. “What happened in Bauchi is not a reflection of the entire North-East.”
Fallout and Intra-Party Tensions
The development has triggered internal debates within the APC about transparency, regional representation, and the importance of inclusive decision-making. Some national officers of the party have expressed concern that such actions, if left unchecked, could fuel discontent and fragmentation within the ruling party.
Analysts suggest that the move could also impact the delicate balance of power within the APC, especially as it prepares for mid-term reviews and begins laying the groundwork for the 2027 general elections. The North-East, a critical geopolitical zone with a history of influencing electoral outcomes, is now at risk of presenting a divided front.
There are also concerns about the implications for Vice President Kashim Shettima, a prominent figure from the North-East, whose political base could be destabilized if regional divisions within the APC continue to widen.
Party Leadership Responds
In response to the growing outcry, the APC National Working Committee (NWC) released a carefully worded statement acknowledging the endorsement but cautioning against any unilateral actions that might damage internal cohesion. “While the party respects the right of stakeholders to express their preferences, such expressions must follow due process and be inclusive,” the statement read.
President Tinubu has not officially commented on the endorsement or the backlash, but sources close to the presidency suggest that the matter is being closely monitored to ensure it does not spiral into a larger crisis.
Looking Ahead
As the APC grapples with the fallout from the North-East endorsement controversy, political observers say the episode serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of consensus-building in a diverse and complex party structure.
For a ruling party that prides itself on unity and strength, the current tensions signal a need for internal reconciliation, transparent dialogue, and strategic recalibration. Whether the APC can overcome these divisions or whether they will fester into deeper political cracks remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that in the battle for influence and positioning ahead of 2027, every region—and every voice—will matter.
