Vice President Shettima Warns APC Members Against “Destructive Politics”
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has issued a stern warning to leaders and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the conduct of political activities. In a statement released on Wednesday, he urged all party members to exercise restraint as early consultations for the 2027 general elections begin. Shettima emphasized that internal ambitions should never compromise the stability of the ruling party.
The Vice President compared the APC to a household that must remain intact despite internal disagreements. In his message, titled “2027: Don’t Pull Down the Roof,” he reminded aspirants and their followers that the party’s survival depends on mutual respect. He noted that while competition is a healthy sign of a functioning democracy, it should not lead to the destruction of the political “house” they all inhabit.
As the political season gains momentum, Shettima observed that activity is already increasing at various levels of the party structure. From ward consultations to private meetings with elders, the “marketplace of ambition” is becoming more active. He argued: “The political season is here again. We don’t have to pull down the roof. We all should desist from destructive politics.”
The statement acknowledged the traditional excitement that accompanies the lead-up to an election cycle. Shettima pointed out that the current wave of visits and delegate counting is proof that power in Nigeria must still be negotiated and earned. However, he warned that this period also brings significant temptations that could lead to unnecessary division within the ranks.
Focusing on the risk of misinterpreting political competition, the Vice President cautioned against viewing rivals as enemies. He expressed concern that healthy debate is often mistaken for betrayal or exclusion, particularly when influenced by external media narratives. He wrote: “It comes with the temptation to mistake disagreement for betrayal, competition for enmity, preference for exclusion, and media interpretation for truth.”
Shettima’s appeal for unity serves as a high-level intervention to prevent a fragmented front as the 2027 race approaches. By calling for a more temperate political atmosphere, the Vice President aims to ensure the APC remains focused on governance while managing internal transitions. His message concludes with a plea for members to prioritize the collective interest of the republic over individual aspirations.
