APC Deputy National Chairman Says Shettima Banner Omission Likely an Oversight

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Speculation surrounding internal divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) intensified after a recent political gathering in North-East Nigeria sparked debate over the absence of Vice-President Kashim Shettima from an official event banner. However, party leaders have moved quickly to calm tensions and clarify the circumstances behind the incident.

The controversy emerged following a constitutional review public hearing held in Maiduguri, Borno State, where prominent APC stakeholders gathered to deliberate on proposed amendments to the party’s governing framework. Although the event drew governors, senior officials, and regional leaders, observers noticed that while several notable figures appeared on the promotional banner—including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—the Vice-President’s image was missing.

Political reactions soon followed, particularly from within Borno State, where the omission was interpreted by some as disrespectful to a leading son of the region. A senior state lawmaker publicly criticised the development, describing the situation as unnecessary and capable of creating avoidable controversy within party ranks.

Responding to the growing debate, APC Deputy National Chairman Ali Bukar Dalori dismissed suggestions that the gathering was designed either to promote or sideline any political personality. According to him, discussions had been strictly organisational, centred on reviewing constitutional proposals rather than advancing political ambitions or endorsements.

Dalori explained that the uproar surrounding the incident appeared exaggerated, noting that remarks made earlier by state officials were being misunderstood. From his perspective, the comments that fuelled public reactions were harmless and never intended to ignite political tension within the ruling party.

Rearranging his explanation later in the interview, the APC chieftain stressed his longstanding relationship with Vice-President Shettima, insisting that neither he nor party leaders in Borno would support any action capable of diminishing the Vice-President’s standing. He maintained that internal unity remains a priority for party leadership across the northern states.

Addressing the central issue directly, Dalori suggested that the absence of Shettima’s photograph likely resulted from a simple organisational mistake rather than a calculated political message. He argued that event planners sometimes make errors in design or coordination, and such oversights should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of factional rivalry.

He reiterated that the Maiduguri meeting focused solely on constitutional deliberations, urging party members and supporters to avoid reading political motives into routine administrative matters. In his view, shifting attention away from substantive discussions toward symbolic controversies distracts from the party’s reform agenda.

Commentary and Political Analysis

The incident highlights how symbolic gestures—such as banner placements or visual representation at political events—can quickly evolve into narratives about loyalty and power struggles within Nigerian political parties. Even minor organisational issues often attract intense scrutiny, particularly when they involve high-ranking officeholders.

Analysts observe that the APC’s swift response reflects an awareness of the sensitivity surrounding regional political balance. Vice-President Shettima remains an influential figure in the North-East, and any perceived slight could easily fuel speculation about internal alignments ahead of future political contests.

Furthermore, the episode underscores the importance of optics in modern party politics. In an era where political messaging extends beyond speeches to imagery and branding, omissions—intentional or accidental—can shape public perception as strongly as official policy statements.

Ultimately, Dalori’s intervention appears aimed at preserving party cohesion by reframing the situation as administrative error rather than political signal, reinforcing the APC leadership’s effort to project unity amid heightened political attention.