The North-East chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Parliament has voiced concern over what it termed growing speculation about the replacement of Vice President, Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections.

The group’s chairman, Kabiru Garba Kobi, who raised their fear in a meeting on Friday in Bauchi warned that such a move could destabilise the party and damage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chances of re-election.

He worried that the rumours making the rounds have already caused disquiet within APC circles.

He added that this is threatening the internal cohesion necessary for a successful campaign in the next electoral cycle.

He urged the leadership of the party to avoid internal disputes that could have long-term consequences, drawing parallels with the downfall of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

Reaffirming the group’s loyalty to the current administration, Kobi said the Youth Parliament remains fully behind the Tinubu-Shettima pairing, calling it “tested and trusted.”

“We want to state it unequivocally clear that any attempt to reconfigure the joint ticket of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Kashim Shettima in 2027 will only bring resentment that could linger beyond the elections, with negative reverberations capable of affecting the party’s success,”
Kobi declared.

“It is far from hidden that the ghost of the PDP’s past actions still haunts the party today — history has little patience for those who choose to ignore its lessons.”

Citing concerns about emerging divisions in the party, Kobi challenged stakeholders to reflect on the risks of allowing internal sabotage and unchecked ambition to derail the APC’s progress.

“As APC sails through these tumultuous waters, we must ask some pertinent questions: Can the party survive the machinations of fifth columnists within, who aim to use conspiracy theories to destroy the progress made with the 2027 elections on the horizon?

“Should we ignore all the lessons of history and allow excessive ambition to cloud the reasoning of key players, ignoring the dangers ahead?”

“At this juncture, we wish to inform His Excellency, our popular and charismatic leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that the calculated attacks are not truly aimed at the Vice President but at you. What these assailants are trying to achieve by this hypocrisy is to replace Kashim Shettima with someone of a fragile political reputation.”

Kobi reiterated the group’s commitment to mobilising strong grassroots support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, calling on APC members nationwide to unite behind the current leadership.

He also expressed unease over signs of internal tension, warning that unresolved conflicts could undermine the party’s preparations for 2027.

He then praised President Tinubu’s doggedness in preparing the right economic reforms to move Nigeria forward.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Friday commended the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for appointing youths into its National Working Committee, NWC.

Atiku said the ADC has set a powerful example by including the youths in its decision making process.

ADC had appointed Bilyaminu Duhu as Assistant National Youth Leader, North East, Jackie Wayas, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Hassana Dada, Assistant National Youth Leader, North Central, David Itokpa, Deputy National Welfare Secretary and Hauwa Yusuf, Deputy National Secretary.

Reacting to the development, the former presidential candidate said the future of Nigerian youths must not be shaped in their absence.

Posting on X, Atiku wrote: “Congratulations to the vibrant young members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—Bilyaminu Duhu (Assistant National Youth Leader, North East), Jackie Wayas, @JWEZEE, (Deputy National Publicity Secretary), Hassana Dada (Assistant National Youth Leader, North Central), David Itokpa @iamhistory_, (Deputy National Welfare Secretary), Hauwa Yusuf, @itz_hawee (Deputy National Secretary) and others, on their well deserved appointments to the party’s National Working Committee.

“The @ADCNig is no longer just speaking about youth inclusion; it is now boldly demonstrating it in action.

“Indeed, the future of our youth must not be shaped in their absence, and I commend the ADC for setting a powerful example by giving them a seat at the table where decisions are made.

“This is what true leadership looks like, not just talking the talk, but walking it with purpose.”

Former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on Thursday shared a dire economic projection for Nigeria, warning of an impending financial collapse in 2026 if urgent measures are not taken.

El-Rufai posted the article, titled ‘Nigeria 2026: The Year All Hell Breaks Loose’ on his official X handle on Friday.

The analysis, authored by Dr. Nnaoke Ufere, utilized machine learning models and economic simulations to forecast a possible breakdown of Nigeria’s economy by September 2026.