Zarma Mustapha, a former Special Adviser to the Borno State Governor and APC stakeholder, has called on the party leadership to promptly address the exclusion of Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s photograph from a banner displayed at a recent APC event in Borno State.
Mustapha described the incident as unfortunate and warned that it could generate unnecessary speculation both within and outside the party.
“It is unfortunate that this has happened again after the Gombe incident. Whatever the reason for excluding the Vice President’s picture, it opens the door to speculation,” he said. “Observers from outside may interpret it as having an underlying motive. The party should act quickly to correct this, or risk undermining unity and cohesion.”
He emphasized that the APC must avoid actions that could spark rumours or uncertainty as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather pace.
“The APC needs all hands on deck ahead of the 2027 elections and should steer clear of actions that generate doubts or confusion,” Mustapha added.
Highlighting the importance of public acknowledgment, he said including Shettima’s image would strengthen the party. “Displaying the Vice President’s picture costs nothing, yet it sends a clear message of unity and commitment within President Tinubu’s team.”
Gossip News Now reports that the call comes amid growing internal tension within the APC regarding Shettima’s political role ahead of 2027, following the omission of his photograph from a banner at a major party event in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The incident occurred on Monday during the North-East zonal public hearing on proposed amendments to the APC constitution, attended by governors, party leaders, and other regional stakeholders.
The banner featured images of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the five APC governors from the North-East, and the party’s National Legal Adviser, but notably excluded Shettima, who hails from Borno State.
The omission prompted immediate protest from the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, who criticized the act as unfair, provocative, and ill-timed, warning that such actions risk reopening unresolved divisions within the ruling party.
© 2025 Gossip News Now, a division of CHIEJOS HARBIAN DIGITAL MEDIA LTD. Contact us via admin@gossipnewsnow.online
