2027: Endorsement of VP unconstitutional’ – Salihu justifies omission of Shettima

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Mustapha Salihu, the National Vice Chairman (North-East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated that endorsing a presidential candidate and their deputy before the party’s primary election is unconstitutional.

He made this clarification to explain why he publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu but did not mention Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Salihu said this became necessary in light of rising rumours about tensions within the ruling party.

Speaking to Channels Television on Monday, he explained that his choice to exclude the Vice President from the endorsement at the APC North-East summit in Gombe was intentional and aligned with the party’s rules and constitution.

He noted that he praised the Vice President during his full speech and affirmed support for him.

“In party politics, we have only one ticket at the primary stage— for the executive chairman, local government chairman, governors, and president. There is no provision in our constitution that allows for the endorsement of a joint ticket at that level,” he said.

“It is only after the primaries, when a candidate emerges, that he chooses a running mate,” he added.

Salihu emphasized that the presidential candidate alone has the authority to choose their vice-presidential partner.

He also pointed out that governors like Mai Mala Buni of Yobe and Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe had previously endorsed Tinubu without mentioning Shettima.

The APC official downplayed suggestions of any discord between Tinubu and Shettima.

“Rumours like these are unavoidable in every administration,” he remarked.

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