Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to maintain unity, moderation, and discipline as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum across the country.
In a statement titled “2027: Don’t Pull Down the Roof,” Senator Shettima said the political season often comes with intense ambitions and disagreements, but warned party members against allowing internal contests to weaken the party before the general elections.
According to the Vice President, democracy thrives on healthy competition and consultation, stressing that political differences should not be mistaken for hostility or betrayal.
He described the APC as “one political household,” urging aspirants, stakeholders, and supporters to avoid actions capable of dividing the party.
“We may have different aspirations, different loyalists, and different preferred outcomes. That is normal. Democracy was never designed to abolish ambition. It was designed to civilise it,” he stated.
Shettima cautioned party members against being influenced by rumours, political mischief, and divisive narratives, noting that some individuals often attempt to create tension within political parties for personal gain.
He said the real challenge for political parties begins after the primaries, explaining that while primaries produce candidates, only unity can secure victory at the general election.
The Vice President stressed the importance of fairness, transparency, and respect for all stakeholders during the party’s internal processes, urging party leaders to treat aspirants with dignity and address grievances with patience and justice.
He also appealed to aspirants and their supporters to remain loyal to the party regardless of the outcome of the primaries, noting that politics is a long-term journey where patience and loyalty often yield future opportunities.
Shettima further reminded politicians that Nigerians are closely observing how leaders manage disagreements and political disappointments, adding that public confidence in leadership depends not only on victory but also on character and maturity.
He urged members of the APC to place service above personal ambition and avoid turning political contests into destructive battles.
Referencing the leadership style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President said democracy flourishes through accommodation, resilience, coalition-building, and dialogue.
He appealed to party leaders to act fairly, aspirants to remain patient, and supporters to conduct themselves responsibly, warning that internal divisions could weaken the party ahead of future electoral contests.
“The roof over this house shelters all of us. If we pull it down in anger, nobody will be spared by the storm,” he said.
Shettima concluded by urging party faithful to protect the unity of the APC and work collectively toward national development and electoral success in 2027.
