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INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: WHY HOSTING FOREIGN MILITARY BASES ARE NOT THE ANSWER By Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni fnipr

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FORTIFYING TRUST: CATALYSING NATIONAL UNITY FOR A SECURE NIGERIA BY SANI USMAN KUKASHEKA, mni In the intricate tapestry of human interactions, trust is the cornerstone upon which societies are built, nations flourish, and progress thrives. It is a beacon that guides our collective endeavours, shaping the dynamics of national unity and development. In our country Nigeria, a nation rich in diversity and history, trust has played a pivotal role in the past. It possesses the potential to pave the way for a brighter future. As we navigate the complex landscape of the present world, it becomes evident that the implications of eroding trust are profound and far-reaching. The lack of trust casts shadows of conflict, misunderstandings, and insecurity, undermining the essence of societal cohesion among the various components of Nigerian society. However, beyond these ominous clouds lies the promise of enhanced national unity, harmony, and prosperity if we have trust and understanding. Trust, a cornerstone of societal harmony, economic progress, and national solidarity, serves as the adhesive that binds diverse individuals into a cohesive whole. It encompasses the belief in reliability, honesty, and effectiveness, a shared faith that empowers cooperative efforts towards shared goals. Today, Nigeria stands at a crucial juncture, facing both the ravages of mistrust and boundless unity opportunities. In this context, nurturing trust emerges as a solution to the current conflicts and misunderstandings and as a vital catalyst for security, prosperity, and global relevance. A glance into history reveals a Nigeria adorned with interwoven bonds of trust. Tradespeople entrusting their goods and children to business associates across regions has been a hallmark of cross-cultural partnerships and mutual reliance over the past few decades. Communities embraced the values of accommodation and hospitality, fostering an environment where trust was the currency of interaction. However, contemporary times find us on a different path. Amidst rumours, suspicions, and the deluge of misinformation, the erosion of trust has been palpable. The fraying of these essential bonds is evident in the swift resort to religion and ethnicity in national debates, eclipsing the broader perspectives that should unite us. The ramifications of this deficit in trust are dire. Once harmonious under a banner of unity, the discordant chords of ethnicity and religion now resound with disharmony. The aftermath of the EndSARS movement and the last general elections highlighted the fractures within the national fabric, exposing a landscape marred by primordial sentiments, selfish inclinations, and a loss of collective identity. This critical moment demands reevaluating our societal values and an introspective journey towards rebuilding the trust that underpins our progress as a nation. But why has trust waned, and who is responsible? Due to the unchecked spread of false information and fake news on social media, politics, religion, and cultural biases play a part. To navigate our diversity, we must champion the shared values that transcend our differences. Examples abound of countries embracing their diversity to forge national unity. Their successes underscore the state's and its citizens' pivotal role in sculpting a harmonious narrative. The state must not merely govern but also inspire trust through transparent governance, unbiased justice, and inclusive policies. In tandem, citizens are entrusted with nurturing a culture of empathy, openness, and cooperation. To transform our trajectory, concerted efforts are indispensable. National orientation, public education, and enlightenment campaigns will serve as the lodestars that guide our collective ethos. Reviving neglected sports as a binding force is imperative, as is strengthening institutions like the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). By promoting cultural exchange programmes and inter-ethnic marriages, we lay the foundation for an inclusive Nigeria. Government ministries, departments, and agencies, notably information and culture, youth, sports, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), civil society organisations, and other professional bodies, are pivotal in spearheading initiatives to engender a sense of belonging and unity. Good governance, complemented by incentives for inter-ethnic marriages, will facilitate a tapestry where diversity is celebrated rather than vilified. Our media should play a transformative role by amplifying cultural practices that foster unity rather than those that divide us. Yet, the path to restored trust is full of obstacles. The communication gap between citizens and authorities needs bridging, requiring timely, truthful, and transparent information dissemination. The government can nurture a culture of responsiveness that fortifies trust by leveraging modern communication channels such as mainstream d social media and credible non-partisan organisations and associations. Although this project may be challenging, the rewards are immeasurable—a united Nigeria built on integrity and trust. In the mosaic of our nation, trust is the luminous thread that stitches hearts and minds together. By embracing the collective heritage bestowed by our founding fathers and the shared values that bind us, Nigeria can transcend its current challenges and emerge as a beacon of unity, strength, and progress on the global stage. With trust as our cornerstone, we can mould a future where national development and security thrive, prosperity is shared, and our collective identity stands resolute against the tides of discord. In the end, trust will unite us, and in unity, we shall thrive. The writer, Sani Usman Kukasheka, is an Abuja-based public analyst, strategic communication expert, and security expert. He can be reached at usmanusk@yahoo.com or on his Twitter handle, @skusman.

INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: WHY HOSTING FOREIGN MILITARY BASES ARE NOT THE ANSWER
By
Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni fnipr

 

 

Last week, some highly respected and eminent Nigerians wrote an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cautioning against accepting an alleged offer from two superpowers – France and the United States of America to establish military bases in Nigeria. They wrote the letter based on a plausible rumour that these two powerful nations who have been expelled from Mali and Niger are desperately trying to have a foothold on another country in West Africa to host their military bases. Ostensibly, these military bases are veiled efforts to promote and protect their interests couched in the name of helping to fight violent extremists such as Boko Haram, ISWAP and Al Qaeda. However, a few days ago, the Honourable Minister for Culture and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, publicly stated that Nigeria is not considering any such offer by these countries to establish military bases in Nigeria. Nonetheless, I commend the patriotic zeal of these eminent Nigerians for drawing our attention to this issue and the Federal Government for allaying their concerns.

 

 

 

Undoubtedly, Nigeria’s strategic location, economic prowess, and regional leadership positioned it as a prime candidate for such an unprecedented “foreign military cooperation.” Following their expulsion from Mali and Niger, the strategic allure of Nigeria for French and American military bases is not surprising, as numerous factors render Nigeria an enticing location for such installations. Positioned along the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria offers access to crucial shipping routes and abundant resources, cementing its role as a linchpin in regional and global security dynamics.

 

 

 

As Africa’s most populous nation and a significant economic force, Nigeria exerts substantial influence within West Africa and beyond. Establishing military bases in Nigeria would present an opportunity for these foreign powers to extend their reach across the continent. Moreover, France and the US may be motivated by a desire to counterbalance the growing presence of China and Russia in Africa. Ultimately, the consideration of Nigeria as a host for foreign military bases underscores the imperative of securing strategic footholds in an increasingly pivotal geopolitical arena by these two nations. By capitalizing on Nigeria’s geopolitical significance and geographic positioning, they seek to consolidate their influence and protect their interests amid intensifying global competition and fight against terrorism. Therefore, the fear and concerns of these eminent Nigerians are quite understandable.

 

 

Moreover, in line with its Foreign Policy objectives, Nigeria has always opposed such bases on any African country let alone on its very soil. However, the realities of today’s circumstances are quite different. The country is facing an existential threat from secessionists agitations, Boko Haram terrorist groups, bandits and kidnappers which require collaboration with and support from other countries such as its neighbours, as well as those developed countries such as France, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Russia, amongst others.

 

 

 

In this light, it is important to critically examine the pros and cons of such an agreement to understand whether these fears are justified or not. First, we look at the merits of such establishments. No doubt having such military bases with their drone technology, training and other logistics support would enhance our national security and international collaboration and cooperation, more so as Nigeria is facing significant security challenges from various threats such as banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and terrorism. Therefore, further collaboration with foreign powers like the US and France could provide advanced military technology, intelligence sharing, and training support to Nigerian forces.
This collaboration could strengthen Nigeria’s ability to combat these security threats effectively. Such an agreement would also promote strategic partnership. By establishing foreign military bases in Nigeria, it can strengthen strategic partnerships with countries like the US and France. This partnership can contribute to regional stability and security, which is crucial for economic development and political stability in Nigeria and the broader West African region.

 

 

 

The establishments would serve as deterrence to adversaries. A foreign military presence can serve as a deterrent to potential aggressors and adversaries, signalling a commitment to defend Nigerian sovereignty and territorial integrity. This deterrence factor may discourage hostile actions by non-state actors or neighbouring countries that pose security threats to Nigeria. However lofty the advantages of having military bases in Nigeria are, there are also cogent arguments against the establishment of foreign military bases in the country.

 

 

 

The first is sovereignty concerns. Hosting foreign military bases raises concerns about the sovereignty and national autonomy of our great nation, as allowing foreign military presence on Nigerian soil could compromise the country’s ability to make independent decisions on security matters and could lead to undue influence by external powers in domestic affairs. Usually, such countries often demand special treatment for their personnel, a kind of being above the local laws and even international humanitarian laws.
This is more so because Western countries would always prioritise their interest whenever there are contentious issues or conflicts of interest. The flaunting of Leahy Law against Nigeria by the Obama administration on the unsubstantiated allegations of human rights abuses, thus denying it the much-needed weapons in the heat of its counterinsurgency efforts during previous administrations was quite instructive. Additionally, they will also use their surveillance technology to their advantage, which could be against Nigeria’s national interest.
There is also the issue of regional dynamics where Nigeria has historically positioned itself as a leader in Africa and has been cautious about allowing foreign military bases on its territory. Some are concerned that hosting such bases could disrupt regional dynamics and trigger tensions with neighbouring countries, especially if they perceive the presence of foreign troops as a threat to their sovereignty or interests. This is more so as Russia is gradually getting a foothold on countries run by military junta in West Africa such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria’s northern neighbour, Niger. Any hosting of foreign military bases could be perceived as a re-enactment of Cold War era tensions where the country will be a battleground for supremacy between the superpowers.

 

 

 

 

There are arguments for alternative solutions to address Nigeria’s security challenges without resorting to hosting foreign military bases. These solutions may include strengthening domestic security institutions, improving governance and socioeconomic conditions of the citizenry, and fostering regional cooperation through initiatives like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU). Moreover, most of the security challenges border on a lack of good governance. Therefore, the solutions are also local. Ultimately, any decision regarding establishing foreign military bases should be made with a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks and benefits, and it should prioritise the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty and national interests.
There is no doubt therefore, that Nigeria faces significant security challenges, ranging from banditry and kidnappings to Boko Haram’s insurgency and secessionist agitations, among others. The question of whether to host foreign military bases to address these threats is a complex one, with strong arguments on both sides. The pressure from these two foreign powers is quite obvious.
However, while the allure of foreign support to combat security threats is understandable, hosting foreign military bases presents a risk to Nigeria’s sovereignty and may not effectively address the root causes of insecurity in the country. Rather, Nigeria should focus on addressing socio-economic factors that contribute to the root causes of our security challenges by enhancing good governance and strengthening its policing system. It should also enhance military capabilities and foster regional cooperation for intelligence sharing and joint operations. By investing in its security, Nigeria can safeguard its territory, protect its people, and chart its course for a more secure future without any foreign military base on its soil.

The writer, Brigadier Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni fnipr fapra FIOARM fspsp, Sarkin Yakin Kanwan Katsina, is a public affairs commentator, public relations and security consultant. He can be reached on his X handle, and Facebook page, skusman.

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Breaking the Cycle of Violence: FG’s Comprehensive Plan for North Central Peace

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Breaking the Cycle of Violence: FG's Comprehensive Plan for North Central Peace

Breaking the Cycle of Violence: FG’s Comprehensive Plan for North Central Peace

 

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

In a bid to restore peace and stability to the North Central zone, the Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to tackle the protracted violence that has plagued the region.

 

Breaking the Cycle of Violence: FG's Comprehensive Plan for North Central Peace

 

According to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the plan is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the protection of lives above all else.

 

 

Speaking in Makurdi, Benue, Akume revealed that the President’s recent visit to the state was part of a broader plan to tackle insecurity.

 

 

He noted that the plan involves a multi-layered approach, including the mobilisation of personnel, technology, and community intelligence to apprehend perpetrators and prevent recurrence. Akume emphasized that the government is committed to augmenting the efforts of security forces with improved logistics and inter-agency coordination.

 

 

“Our security forces are trying, given the spate of challenges faced; nevertheless the government is committed to augmenting their efforts with improved logistics and inter-agency coordination,” the SGF stated.

 

 

He also emphasized that lasting peace requires synergy between federal and state actors, urging the Benue State government to galvanize local leaders and convene stakeholders to foster dialogue.

 

 

“Beyond security measures, the government is also working to address the humanitarian crisis, with over 50,000 internally displaced persons in need of urgent support,” Akume pointed out, revealing that the government is collaborating with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and non-governmental organisations to scale up aid to those affected.

 

 

Economic revitalisation is also a key component of the plan, with the government fast-tracking agricultural projects and youth employment schemes to curb crime triggers and promote economic stability. Akume noted that military action alone is not enough, and that a holistic approach is needed to address the root causes of insecurity.

 

 

The government’s commitment to protecting lives and promoting economic stability is a beacon of hope for the region. As the plan is implemented, the people of Benue and the wider North Central region can look forward to a brighter future, free from the scourge of violence and insecurity.

 

 

With this comprehensive plan, the Federal Government is taking a bold step towards breaking the cycle of violence that has held the region hostage for too long. The question on everyone’s mind is: Will it be enough to bring lasting peace to the North Central zone? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the government is determined to try.

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Mr. President, This Is Not a Dilapidated Nigeria: An Open Rebuke of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Extravagant Governance

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“More Will Jump Ship”: Tinubu Predicts Mass Defections to APC Ahead of 2027

Mr. President, This Is Not a Dilapidated Nigeria: An Open Rebuke of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Extravagant Governance.

 

 

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

 

 

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared in 2023 that he inherited a “dilapidated Nigeria” from his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, many Nigerians expected an urgent shift toward austerity, fiscal discipline, and a governance style that reflects the dire economic realities facing the nation; but what we have seen under Tinubu’s government is not the leadership of a man burdened with fixing a broken country. Instead, it is the portrait of extravagant ruling elites drowning the nation in reckless spending while millions of citizens are crushed under inflation, joblessness, insecurity, and despair.

 

 

It is for this reason that Emir of Kano and former CBN Governor Mohammed Sanusi II bluntly told Tinubu: “You do not claim to have inherited a dilapidated economy and then proceed to spend like a drunken sailor.” His words sting with truth and today, Nigerians demand a response beyond media propaganda and deflection.

 

 

Extravagant Spending Amid National Hardship

 

Mr. President, This Is Not a Dilapidated Nigeria: An Open Rebuke of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Extravagant Governance. 

 

How can President Tinubu justify allocating ₦21 billion to renovate the Vice President’s residence in Abuja and an international conference center built for ₦240 million in 1991 renovated for ₦39 billion, when public universities are struggling to buy basic laboratory equipment and students sleep on floors? If the country is truly dilapidated, why should National Assembly members be gifted ₦70 billion worth of SUVs at ₦160 million each, in the same year citizens are taxed to death for basic services?

 

 

Even more appalling is the ₦5 billion budgeted for vehicles for the office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (an office that does not exist in the Nigerian Constitution). Is this not fraud with a fancy name?

 

Mr. President, This Is Not a Dilapidated Nigeria: An Open Rebuke of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Extravagant Governance. 

 

Then comes the presidential fleet, which received an allocation of ₦5 billion in 2024, while another ₦5 billion was budgeted for a luxury presidential yacht. Let that sink in: a yacht in a nation where nearly 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty (according to the National Bureau of Statistics, 2022).

 

Corruption and Nepotism Masked as Governance

 

Mr. President, This Is Not a Dilapidated Nigeria: An Open Rebuke of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Extravagant Governance. 

 

How can we take Tinubu’s reform agenda seriously when he awarded a ₦15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to Gilbert Chagoury, a Lebanese-Nigerian billionaire and close ally of the President? Let us remember: Chagoury was once deported under former President Obasanjo for economic sabotage. Today, he’s back in favor; not by merit, but by political convenience.

 

 

What about the ₦5 billion allocated to the Presidential Tax Reform Committee headed by Taiwo Oyedele? To date, Nigerians have seen no report, no reform outcomes, just photo-ops, and hollow press statements.

 

 

And if things are so bad, why appoint the largest cabinet in Nigerian history (48 ministers) when the Oronsaye Report has already recommended the downsizing and merging overlapping ministries and agencies? What happened to that cost-saving reform?

 

The Subsidy Scam

 

Mr. President, This Is Not a Dilapidated Nigeria: An Open Rebuke of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Extravagant Governance. 

 

Tinubu told Nigerians that he removed fuel subsidies to free up funds for development, but where is the money? How much has been saved and how has it been spent? Till now, there’s no transparent accounting.

 

On the contrary, after removing the subsidy, pump prices skyrocketed from ₦185/liter to over ₦900/liter in many states. Electricity tariffs followed suit. While Nigerians were told to “tighten their belts,” the government loosened theirs with gold-plated policies and unchecked looting.

 

Governance Without Empathy

 

Under Tinubu’s watch, education has become a privilege, not a right. Public university lecturers are owed a backlog of salaries from previous ASUU strikes. Students are being priced out of classrooms by inflated fees. And health? Only the wealthy can afford decent hospitals, while public health institutions resemble war zones.

 

Food prices have doubled. A 50kg bag of rice now costs over ₦75,000. Tomatoes, which used to be ₦300 per basket, now go for ₦10,000 in some markets. Yet, the President and his vice continue globe-trotting at taxpayers’ expense.

 

According to BudgIT’s 2024 report, the Tinubu government allocated ₦90 billion for Hajj pilgrimage. Is Nigeria now a theocracy? Should religion be more important than education, health, infrastructure, and human capital?

 

Meanwhile, each Senator reportedly earns ₦21 million monthly, and House of Reps members pocket ₦13.5 million. These increments were passed under Tinubu’s administration without a whisper of concern for the 133 million poor Nigerians.

 

The Deceptive “Renewed Hope”

 

Tinubu’s campaign slogan, “Renewed Hope,” has fast become “Renewed Hopelessness.” Nigerians have seen no signs of a turnaround. Instead, what they see is a system where:

 

Nepotism thrives: critical appointments are handed to cronies, not technocrats.

 

Security remains elusive: from Zamfara to Plateau, Benue to Borno, killings are rampant.

 

Inflation is unchecked: currently at 33.69% (May 2025), according to the NBS.

 

The naira is weak: trading at over ₦1,500/$1 in the parallel market.

 

Unemployment continues to soar: youth unemployment stands at 53.4%, the highest in West Africa.

 

IF THESE AREN’T SIGNS OF FAILURE, WHAT ARE?

 

Words from the Wise

The late Chinua Achebe once warned, “THE TROUBLE with NIGERIA is SIMPLY and SQUARELY a FAILURE of LEADERSHIP. ” That rings louder now than ever. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka described our leadership as a “CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE MASQUERADING as GOVERNANCE.”

 

Even elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark recently declared: “This GOVERNMENT is not BEING SINCERE with NIGERIANS. You don’t REMOVE SUBSIDY and then begin to LIVE a LIFESTYLE of KINGS and EMPERORS.”

 

In the words of Prof. Pat Utomi: “LEADERSHIP is not about ACQUIRING luxury cars and private jets. It’s about making LIVES BETTER for the AVERAGE CITIZEN.”

 

Yet, what we see under President Tinubu is the institutionalization of greed. Leaders are getting richer, while citizens can barely survive.

 

Final Word

 

Mr. President, the claim that you inherited a “dilapidated economy” is not enough. What matters is what you’ve done with the economy since May 29, 2023. Sadly, the answer is clear: the cost of governance has exploded, the suffering of the people has intensified and trust in public institutions has eroded further.

 

We demand answers:

 

Where are the subsidy savings?

Why the jumbo budget for luxuries?

Why ignore the Oronsaye Report?

Why increase electricity tariffs without improved service?y

Why are critical sectors neglected while SUVs are bought in bulk?

 

Nigerians are watching. The world is watching. This trend must be arrested; urgently. It is time for accountability, not propaganda. If this administration is truly committed to rescuing Nigeria, then start acting like you inherited a failing state and not a treasure chest for elite consumption.

 

Enough of deception. Enough of waste.

 

Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

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“No Shettima, No APC”: 2027 Power Struggle Sparks Chaos in North-East Meeting

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"No Shettima, No APC": 2027 Power Struggle Sparks Chaos in North-East Meeting

“No Shettima, No APC”: 2027 Power Struggle Sparks Chaos in North-East Meeting

 

GOMBE — With the 2027 general election still two years away, a suspected plot to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima on President Bola Tinubu’s ticket has ignited internal tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC), culminating in a violent outburst during a party stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe on Sunday.

The North-East zonal meeting, initially convened to rally support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, descended into chaos when party leaders failed to reaffirm Shettima’s place on the 2027 ticket — sparking outrage among his supporters.

A viral video from the event captured the moment the APC’s Zonal Vice Chairman (North-East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu, was physically attacked, with an angry delegate striking him with a chair and another hurling a black plastic bucket at him. Salihu fled the stage as chants of “Shettima! Shettima!!” erupted from furious delegates.

Tensions flared when Salihu, during his speech, endorsed Tinubu as the sole candidate for 2027 but made no mention of the Vice President. His omission was interpreted as a deliberate slight, especially in Shettima’s home zone.

“This is a calculated attempt to sideline Shettima, and we will resist it with everything we have,” fumed one enraged Borno delegate.

Despite calls for calm from Deputy National Chairman (North), Alhaji Bukar Dalori, the unrest worsened, forcing security personnel to intervene as chairs were flung and dignitaries exited hurriedly. Police were later forced to fire teargas outside the venue to disperse the angry crowd.

Before the chaos, governors of APC-controlled states in the North-East — Babagana Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Muhammadu Yahaya (Gombe) — had voiced their endorsement of the Tinubu-Shettima joint ticket.

But a critical moment came when APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, while attempting to calm tensions, still avoided a clear commitment to Shettima. “We are proud of the North, proud of our Vice President,” Ganduje said, “It is one ticket, according to the Constitution.” His remarks, however, failed to pacify the aggrieved crowd.

In the aftermath, threats of defection surfaced. “If Shettima is dropped, I will personally lead my people to vote for Atiku,” warned an APC chieftain from Adamawa.

Observers say the uproar may signal deeper cracks in the ruling party, particularly in the North-East where Shettima commands strong loyalty. “This isn’t just noise — it’s a warning shot,” said eyewitness James Abass. “If the APC doesn’t resolve this quickly, defections or a serious counter-movement are very likely.”

Notably, while some figures remained neutral, others from the region firmly endorsed the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. These included Hon. Usman Kumo (House of Reps Chief Whip), Senator M.T. Monguno (Senate Chief Whip), and several National Working Committee members from the North-East.

Meanwhile, APC’s South-East Vice Chairman, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, dismissed the rumours as political distraction: “There’s a strong, respectful relationship between Tinubu and Shettima. These rumours are mere noise.”

Still, with emotions raw and divisions exposed, Sunday’s incident has thrown open a new chapter in the internal power games of the APC — and raised the stakes for 2027.

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