A high-level consultative meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s North-East ended in chaos on Sunday after a disagreement over the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the 2027 general election sparked a violent confrontation.

The meeting, held in Gombe, the capital of Gombe State, was attended by prominent political leaders from the region, including Governors Babagana Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe). Also present were APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ali Bukar Dalori, and thousands of party loyalists.

Tensions escalated dramatically when Comrade Mustapha Salihu, the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), endorsed President Tinubu’s candidacy for a second term but conspicuously failed to mention Vice President Kashim Shettima. His omission triggered outrage among delegates.

Eyewitnesses reported that angry attendees began hurling insults at Salihu, with some attempting to physically attack him before security operatives swiftly intervened and escorted him out of the venue.

The situation deteriorated into a scuffle, requiring the intervention of security personnel to restore calm. Despite the unrest, the meeting proceeded, and party leaders reaffirmed their support for President Tinubu.

In his remarks, Governor Babagana Zulum praised the Tinubu administration’s strides in critical sectors such as health, education, youth and women empowerment, and economic development, calling on party members to remain united and focused ahead of 2027.

The incident underscores deepening internal tensions within the ruling party as political maneuvering intensifies ahead of the next presidential election cycle.