2017: ‘It’s Handled Internally’ – Salihu Speaks On Reported Rift Between Tinubu, Shettima

The National Vice Chairman (North-East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mustapha Salihu, has shared his opinion on the speculated rift between President Bola Tinubu and Vice president Kashim Shettima.

There have been speculation suggesting a rift between Tinubu and Shettima but Salihu dismissed the rumours as distractions fuelled by “conflict entrepreneurs”.

Rumour has it that the Vice president is being sidelined in the scheme of things and is bothered especially about the President’s failure to transmit power to him even when he spends a long period of time outside the country.

The Vice president is hardly mentioned at the occasions where the President receives endorsements for a second term in office fueling the rumour that he might be sourcing for a new vice presidential candidate ahead of 2027.

Appearing on Channels Television on Monday evening, Salihu was asked about the speculation of a rift between the President and his vice, and the APC chieftain said, “The administration of a party is not run on social media, newspapers, or television. It’s handled internally.

“These kinds of rumours are inevitable in every administration— people will always try to suggest friction between the principal and the Vice.

“It’s what some insecure politicians thrive on. But if you’re secure in yourself, you shouldn’t be bothered by such noise.”

He further stated that it was wrong for anyone to suggest that there was discontent in the North-East APC.

“I’m in Yola. I’ve engaged with members from Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, and Yobe. We all stayed up the night before the summit brainstorming,” he said.