Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has called for unity, restraint, and internal cohesion within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensifies.
In a personally signed message titled “2027: Don’t Pull Down the Roof,” Shettima cautioned party leaders, aspirants, and supporters against actions capable of dividing the party.
He warned that internal conflicts could weaken its chances in the general election.
According to him, while consultations, lobbying, and political alignments are natural features of democracy, party members must avoid mistaking competition for enmity or disagreement for betrayal.
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“A political party is not a battlefield; it is a family. Even in the most spirited family, the roof must never be pulled down because one room appears warmer than another,” he noted.
The Vice President emphasized that democracy thrives on healthy competition but warned against manipulation by mischief-makers and divisive narratives that could turn party members against one another.
He noted that the real challenge for any political party lies beyond the primaries, stressing that only a united front can secure victory at the polls.
“The primaries will produce candidates, but the general election will test the strength of our unity. A fractured party may produce a candidate, but only a united party can produce victory,” Shettima said.
Shettima also urged party leaders to ensure fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness in the primary process, adding that aspirants must be treated with dignity while delegates should be allowed to act freely without intimidation.
He further advised aspirants and their supporters to exercise restraint, noting that political ambition should not come at the expense of party stability.
“No ambition is worth the destruction of the platform that nurtured it. No grievance is worth the collapse of the house we all helped to build,” he warned.
The Vice President stressed that Nigerians are closely observing how political actors manage disagreements, adding that the ability to handle setbacks with maturity is a key test of leadership.
He also referenced the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu, noting that his political journey reflects the importance of accommodation, coalition-building, and resilience in sustaining democracy.
Calling for moderation across all levels of the party, Shettima urged stakeholders to prioritize collective interest over personal ambition.
“Contest, but do not destroy. Disagree, but do not defame. Aspire, but do not divide,” he advised.
