Senator Ali Ndume has thrown his weight behind Vice President Kashim Shettima’s warning that the All Progressives Congress (APC) faces a bigger threat from internal divisions than from opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, said the ruling party had more problems within its ranks than outside, warning that the struggle for power and the politics of personalities were overshadowing ideas and policy debates.
The senator described Shettima’s warning as a blunt assessment of the party’s situation, arguing that the opposition’s tough rhetoric and resilience were not the APC’s biggest problem.
“I think the Vice President was just blunt. We have more problems within than without because, seeing that the opposition, quite alright, they are both resilient, tough and talking big, but it’s not the major problem,” Ndume said.
He argued that politicians across party lines often shared similar backgrounds, with their differences driven largely by political platforms and the struggle to control power.
Ndume warned that the growing emphasis on personalities instead of ideas and practical solutions was dangerous, accusing politicians of taking Nigerians for granted.
His remarks came after Shettima raised the alarm over internal contradictions within the APC, declaring that divisions within the ruling party worried him more than the opposition’s political strength.
The Vice President spoke on Saturday in Abuja at the unveiling of the campaign headquarters of Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A), a northern coalition supporting the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu and Shettima.
“Honestly, I am not afraid of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I am not afraid of a diminished Peter Obi. But I am more afraid of internal contradictions within our household,” Shettima said.
He stressed that unity among APC members would be critical to the party’s chances in the next elections, insisting that internal cohesion was necessary for electoral victory.
“If we unite as a people, as a family, we will conquer,” he added.
Shettima also cautioned northern political leaders against campaigning for Tinubu at the presidential level while working against APC governors seeking re-election in their respective states.
“There is no point in championing the cause of the presidential election and then undermining the governor in the gubernatorial election. Honestly, it will not go down well with the system,” he warned.
The Vice President urged party members to close ranks behind APC governors, National Assembly members and Tinubu, stressing that the party must resolve its internal differences if it hopes to secure victory in the 2027 elections.
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