Why I Endorsed Tinubu, Omitted Shettima During APC North-East Summit – APC National V/Chairman, Mustapha Salihu

Why I Endorsed Tinubu, Omitted Shettima During APC North-East Summit – APC National V/Chairman, Mustapha Salihu

By Yusuf Ali

The National Vice Chairman (North-East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Mustapha Salihu, has shed light on his recent remarks during the APC North-East Summit in Gombe, which have been the subject of public discourse.

Speaking in an interview on Channels TV Politics Today, Comrade Salihu clarified that his endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term and the omission of Vice President Kashim Shettima in his remarks were both deliberate and constitutionally justified.

Comrade Salihu explained that his statements at the summit reflected the collective position of the governors of Borno, Gombe, and Yobe States, emphasizing that his actions were consistent with the constitutional framework and the principles guiding the APC.

“What I expressed was not a personal opinion but the agreed stance of our North-East stakeholders, particularly our governors,” he said.

He further highlighted that, as stipulated in the APC Constitution, the nomination of a Vice President is solely the prerogative of the President.

“The President has only one ticket, and it is only after he emerges as the candidate from the party’s primary that he will select his running mate,” Comrade Salihu stated.

He added that this understanding underscores the importance of unity and adherence to party processes.

Addressing the omission of Vice President Kashim Shettima in his remarks, Comrade Salihu clarified that it was not an oversight or an attempt to downplay the Vice President’s contributions. Rather, it was a deliberate focus on reaffirming support for President Tinubu’s leadership. “The Vice President’s role and achievements are undisputed, but my remarks were centered on reinforcing the consensus around President Tinubu’s second term,” he noted.

Comrade Salihu also criticized the media for misrepresenting his statements, which he believes led to unnecessary controversy.

“Unfortunately, some media outlets misinterpreted my comments, creating a narrative that was far from the truth. This misrepresentation has fueled misunderstanding,” he said.

The APC leader reiterated his unwavering commitment to the party’s constitution, its leadership, and the North-East’s role in the APC’s success. He urged party members and the media to focus on fostering unity and understanding as the APC works to maintain its position as the leading political party in Nigeria.