APC Leaders Praise Shettima's Renomination as a Sign of Loyalty

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in the North-East have called Vice President Kashim Shettima's renomination as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 election a reward for his loyalty and hard work.

They made this known on Sunday during the North-East Grand Youth Celebration in Bauchi. The event was organized to support Shettima’s renomination as Tinubu’s running mate.

Abubakar Zaid, who is the Director-General of the BAT/KSM Progressive Alliance, spoke at the event. He was represented by the alliance’s National Secretary, Shettima Umar. Zaid said that the Vice President has shown loyalty and competence since he took office.

He explained that the gathering was meant to celebrate leadership, loyalty, and the continuation of the Renewed Hope Agenda. “This gathering is deliberate, timely and important. We are here to celebrate leadership, loyalty and victory together. We are specifically here in support of and in honour of the renomination of our leader and mentor, Senator Kashim Shettima. It is not by chance; it is a reward for loyalty, capacity, commitment and hard work,” he said.

Zaid pointed out that Shettima has been a reliable supporter of President Tinubu. He added that the Vice President has led several key government reforms. “The Vice President has been a pillar of support to Mr President. He has coordinated key reforms under his office, chaired the National Economic Council, championed programmes for education, micro, small and medium enterprises, food security, and ensured that the North-East remains carried along in major government policies,” he added.

Zaid praised APC supporters, especially the youth, for staying committed since the 2023 elections. “You have mobilised, organised, sensitised communities and defended the mandate. Without the youth, there is no strong political structure and no victory. The celebration is for you because your commitment has kept the party united,” he said.

He promised young supporters that the alliance will keep creating opportunities for training and engagement with the government. Zaid also spoke to women and party elders, saying they are critical for the party’s mobilization efforts.

“You are the backbone of mobilisation. Women reach places where others cannot. Elders provide guidance and experience, while the youth supply energy. Together, we will achieve victory in 2027,” he stated.

Mahmud Muhammad, Personal Assistant on Domestic and North-East Affairs in the Vice President's Office, also spoke. He said Shettima’s choice as Tinubu’s running mate in 2023 was based on his skills and loyalty.

“His selection was not for decoration. It was rooted in trust, competence, loyalty and the need for a partner who understands governance, security, economic management and national unity,” Muhammad said.

He mentioned that the Vice President has been important as Chairman of the National Economic Council. He coordinated economic planning, food security, infrastructure development, and reforms. Muhammad noted that the Tinubu administration faced big economic challenges, and tough decisions like the removal of fuel subsidy were necessary.

“The reforms came with pain, but leadership requires the courage to repair what is broken. Today, the foundations of the economy are becoming stronger through investments in infrastructure, security, social development and human capital,” he said.

He urged young people in the North-East to reject violence and embrace education, technology, and entrepreneurship. “We are not just political supporters; we are builders of a new Nigeria. Our support must go beyond celebrations to promoting peace, voter education, community service and responsible citizenship,” he said.

Muhammad Tilde, the Bauchi State Chairman of the APC, also spoke. He said the party has made progress in tackling security and economic issues in Nigeria.

“When the APC came into power, insecurity dominated national headlines, with bomb explosions and loss of lives reported almost daily. By the grace of God, substantial progress has been made, and we believe more solutions will continue to emerge,” Tilde said.