The National Vice Chairman (North East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mustapha Salihu, has explained why Vice President Kashim Shettima was not included in the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Salihu said including Shettima in the endorsement would have meant that Tinubu had already chosen his running mate for the 2027 election.

“It would have been inappropriate to endorse the Vice President along with the President because it would pre-assume that he is the running mate,” Salihu said.

The omission of Shettima happened during a North-East APC stakeholders meeting held in Gombe on Sunday, where the region endorsed President Tinubu for re-election but left out the Vice President.

The omission of Vice President Kashim Shettima also comes amid growing speculation about his political future.

Abia State government has confirmed that there were security breaches in Umunnochi local government area of the state, which led to some fatalities.

This followed  reports that some communities of Isuochi in Umunnochi local government were attacked by bandits.

Addressing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia on Monday after this week’s executive council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti, Abia State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu said:

“There have been some security breaches in the Umunneochi area of the state, leading to some fatalities.

“The State security agencies have been put on full alert as the state government would not leave any stone unturned in activating the entire security architecture of the state to address the issue of security breaches.”

He further reiterated Governor Alex Otti’s vow that no part of the State would be yielded to criminals.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner announced that there is no outbreak of diphtheria, Mpox, cholera and Lassa fever in Abia.

He announced that 91,227 persons have so far enrolled in the Abia State Social Health Insurance Scheme.

He further said that four housing estates at Mgbarakuna, Obehie, Mbaisi and Valley View would be flagged off by the State government.

The Mbaukwu community took a significant step toward strengthening security today as the official inauguration of the Mbaukwu Security Management and Finance Committee took place. Representing Mayor Awka-South, the Supervisory Councillor for Security Hon. A.C Maduka led the proceedings in the hometown of Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim.

The summit was well-organized, featuring insightful lectures and words of encouragement from security agencies and community dignitaries. The DSS, Nigeria Police, and Civil Defence provided specialized training to the Mbaukwu security personnel, covering rifle handling, patrol positioning, stakeouts, and more.

President General of Mbaukwu, Mr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Afuekwe, expressed gratitude, acknowledging the importance of this initiative and affirming the readiness of committee members to take on the responsibility of securing the community.