Kashim Shettima: The endorsement, the interpretations, and the strategic nuances ahead of 2027.

By: Dr. James Bwala

The not mentioning of Vice President Kashim Shettima by some speakers at the Northeast Stakeholders Meeting in Gombe should not be interpreted as a lack of endorsement for his re-election alongside President Tinubu. Rather, this strategy reflects nuanced political maneuvering within the regions. Despite some delegates naming Shettima explicitly, this did not contradict the broader consensus supporting the Tinubu-Shettima ticket for 2027. In fact, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s open endorsement of both figures underscores the region’s unified backing. Such strategic ambiguity may serve to balance regional interests and manage intra-party dynamics while maintaining public solidarity.

The absence of overt endorsements during certain speeches has fueled speculation regarding Shettima’s political fate; however, these speculations overlook key contextual factors. Politicians and stakeholders are known to employ tactical speech-making to maximize political leverage without fracturing alliances prematurely. Consequently, the overall posture at the meeting reflected a deliberate approach designed to reinforce Shettima’s candidacy indirectly while affirming loyalty to President Tinubu’s leadership. 

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The body language and the love shown by stakeholders and party youths for the VP is a clear message of endorsement. Therefore, the endorsement of Vice President Kashim Shettima by the Northeast All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders for the 2027 elections underscores his broad-based support within a critical geopolitical zone in Nigeria. This backing, articulated during a consultative meeting in Gombe, reflects confidence in Shettima’s leadership and partnership with President Bola Tinubu to advance Nigeria’s developmental agenda. The Northeast APC stakeholders specifically highlighted achievements under their administration in health, education, and empowerment initiatives as evidence of purposeful governance that merits continuity. 

Such regional endorsements are pivotal in Nigeria’s complex political landscape, where ethno-regional considerations influence electoral dynamics. The Northeast’s support for Shettima counters opposition from other zones seeking alternative candidates but demonstrates his resonance with constituents familiar with his contributions to security and socio-economic progress. Consequently, this endorsement not only legitimizes Shettima’s role as Tinubu’s running mate but also symbolizes a unified front aimed at delivering transformative leadership for Nigeria’s future. This regional backing is particularly significant given the historical context of political alliances in Nigeria, where securing support from diverse regions is crucial for electoral success. 

The endorsement signifies a strategic alignment within the APC, setting a precedent for other geopolitical zones to rally behind a leadership team that has demonstrated its capability to address Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges. This dynamic underscores a political strategy that not only consolidates regional support but also enhances the party’s national appeal. This endorsement from the Northeast serves as a testament to Shettima’s ability to bridge regional divides and foster a cohesive national agenda that aligns with the broader aspirations of the Nigerian populace. This strategic move not only consolidates Shettima’s influence within the region but also strengthens the APC’s electoral prospects by showcasing a leadership team that has consistently prioritized national unity and development. 

The Northeast’s endorsement is a calculated move that further consolidates the party’s electoral strategy, ensuring that Shettima and Tinubu are positioned as the candidates best equipped to lead Nigeria toward sustained growth and stability. Such a strategic endorsement not only bolsters the legitimacy of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket but also reinforces a narrative of continuity and progress, resonating with voters who prioritize stability and development. This momentum is further amplified by the Northeast’s recognition of tangible achievements in pivotal sectors like health, education, and empowerment under Shettima’s vice presidency, showcasing a track record that resonates with the electorate’s demand for effective governance.

This endorsement is a testament to the cohesion within the party, countering narratives of division and highlighting a unified front committed to addressing national challenges through collaborative governance. The endorsement signifies a collective aspiration to sustain the trajectory of national development, emphasizing Shettima’s role in fostering inclusive policies that cater to diverse regional needs. The backing from the Northeast APC stakeholders underscores a strategic alignment with the current administration’s vision, reinforcing a commitment to policies that prioritize security, economic growth, and social welfare across Nigeria. This endorsement not only reflects Shettima’s proven track record in governance but also signals a unified front within the party, poised to tackle the nation’s challenges head-on. Their endorsement, as articulated by key party figures, underscores the strategic importance of maintaining continuity in leadership to build on the current administration’s successes in critical sectors like health and education. 

This strategic endorsement also strengthens the perception of a government that is not only responsive but also proactive in addressing the socio-economic needs of its citizens, thereby solidifying the trust and confidence of the electorate in their leadership. This alignment with the Northeast APC stakeholders not only highlights Shettima’s regional influence but also strengthens the broader coalition needed to drive impactful reforms that resonate with the grassroots. 

This collaborative support is indicative of a political landscape that values stability and progress, ensuring that the administration remains focused on delivering on its promises to uplift all Nigerians. The collaborative efforts between the Northeast stakeholders and the central administration are expected to foster a more cohesive policy framework, one that aligns with national goals while addressing regional disparities. Such a framework is anticipated to bridge gaps in infrastructure, enhance educational opportunities, and promote equitable resource distribution, which are critical components for national development.

This united front is expected to not only enhance governance but also ensure that the developmental strides made in recent years are sustained and expanded. This collaboration, underscored by the Northeast APC’s endorsement, is a testament to the administration’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and development across Nigeria. 

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

Kashim Shettima: The endorsement, the interpretations, and the strategic nuances ahead of 2027

We are going to change APC in Yobe—Dr. Jibrin.

By: Yahaya Wakili

A gubernatorial aspirant in 2027 of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Yobe State, Ambassador Dr. Mohammed Jibrin (Turakin Arewa), has said that we are going to change the APC in 2027 in Yobe State, Inshallah.

Dr. Jibrin revealed this while answering questions from the newsmen shortly after he attended the meeting of the Movement Tafiyar Matasa Yobe Zone B held at Federal College of Education (Technical), Multi-Purpose Hall, Potiskum.

He said it is high time for the youths now to take over the leadership of the country and Yobe State from the present old leaders, adding that in 1966, when Yakubu Gowon took over the country as a military leader, his age was not more than 35 years, and if you look at the leaders of the democracy of this country now from 1999 to date, all the elected presidents have been from 60 up to 70 to 80 years old.

“When Buhari took over the country as an elected president, his age was almost over 70 years, and also look at the present president, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is now up to 75 to 80 years old, so we need youths in this government now.” Dr. Jibrin said.

Dr. Jibrin maintained that we have a lot of youths in Yobe State. Let’s say if you go round within the Potiskum metropolitan area, I think we have more than 10,000 graduates now. After they are finished with their NYSC, they are not getting any jobs, maybe at the federal level, or state level, or local government level. So we have a lot of youths who have the capacity and the certificate, but they cannot have access to employment now.

He said the government of Mai Mala Buni is a failure because, look at the Commissioner of Youth; his age is more than 50 years now, so we need someone from 25 years and above to be the commissioner of that ministry of youth.

“The government of His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, for me, is not doing well. Go to my local government, Yusufari. Last year in August, there was a heavy flood of rain, and more than 200 households were vacated from their houses, and up to now, the government cannot take any action about the flood victims.”

“This governor Buni’s administration is fairly good from what I can see, from what I access from all over the 17 local government areas of the state. I was born in Yobe State. I have gone round all 17 local government areas; therefore, I have so many things to say about Yobe politics. We are going to change them in the 2027 general elections,” he said.

According to Turakin Arewa, we have a lot of challenges, we have a lot of problems, and there is a lot of corruption within the government, adding that, to his knowledge, for more than about 2 to 3 years, the Yobe state government has not even paid the scholarships within the tertiary institutions outside the Yobe state capital.

We are going to change APC in Yobe—Dr. Jibrin

2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift

By: Dr. James Bwala

The youths of Hawul and Askira/Uba Federal Constituency have expressed significant regret over their decision to vote for Hon. Midala Balami of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as their representative in the Green Chamber. This sentiment stems from perceived unfulfilled campaign promises and a lack of tangible development projects within the constituency since his assumption of office. Many youths feel marginalized, claiming that their concerns regarding education, employment, and infrastructure remain largely unaddressed.

This disillusionment reflects a broader trend among Nigerian youth, who increasingly demand accountability and effective representation from their elected officials. The initial optimism accompanying Balami’s election has given way to frustration due to inadequate legislative performance and limited engagement with constituents’ needs. While legal disputes affirmed his election victory, these judicial endorsements have done little to alleviate grassroots dissatisfaction. Consequently, the youths’ regret underscores the urgent need for responsive governance that prioritizes community development and inclusivity.

The youth’s declaration that Hon. Midala Balami must not represent them again in 2027 reflects a growing dissatisfaction with political leadership and representation. This sentiment underscores the critical importance of responsive governance, where elected officials are expected to address the evolving needs and aspirations of their constituents. Young people, as a dynamic demographic, demand accountability and tangible progress, which they feel has been lacking under Hon. Balami’s tenure. Such discontent is emblematic of broader challenges in democratic participation, where trust between representatives and the represented is paramount. 

This call for change highlights the role of youth engagement in shaping political futures. The rejection of a previously favored representative suggests an increased political awareness among young voters who prioritize performance over loyalty or tradition. It also indicates their desire for leaders who embody transparency, inclusivity, and innovation—qualities necessary for addressing contemporary socio-economic issues. As such, the youths’ stance serves as a potent reminder that political legitimacy hinges on continued relevance and responsiveness to constituent demands.

The youths in Hawul and Askira/Uba federal constituency who are insisting that Hon. Midala Balami should not represent them again by 2027 exemplify a critical shift toward active civic participation and heightened expectations from political figures. It emphasizes the need for politicians to maintain genuine engagement with younger populations to sustain democratic vitality and social cohesion. Failure to do so risks alienation of key demographics crucial for future governance and national development.

According to the youths, a senator from Osun State has revealed that Nigerian senators receive ₦2 billion while members of the House of Representatives collect ₦1 billion for constituency projects. Despite these substantial allocations, there is a glaring absence of tangible development within their constituencies. This disclosure highlights a critical discrepancy between funds disbursed and actual infrastructural or social improvements on the ground. Such revelations have intensified public scrutiny regarding transparency and accountability in legislative financial management.

The implications of this exposé are profound, as it underscores systemic challenges in governance and resource utilization within Nigeria’s political framework. The youths’ concerns reflect widespread disillusionment with elected officials who seem to prioritize personal enrichment over community development. This situation calls for robust mechanisms to monitor expenditure and ensure that constituency funds translate into meaningful progress. Ultimately, addressing these issues is essential for restoring public confidence and enhancing democratic governance. 

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Democracy in Northern Borno State appears to yield tangible benefits, particularly through the efforts of their representatives. However, only Hon. Betara Aliyu, the representative of Biu, Kwaya, Bayo, and Shani constituencies in southern Borno, seemed to have signed a deal to represent his constituency. His active involvement in legislative and developmental initiatives has brought noticeable dividends to his constituency, contrasting sharply with the other southern Borno representatives, who remain largely absent in representations of their people. This disparity underscores a broader issue within regional governance and resource allocation that affects equitable development.

The northern Borno constituencies have experienced infrastructural improvements and increased political attention due to effective representation. Conversely, the southern areas suffer from neglect and lack of meaningful democratic engagement beyond Hon. Betara Aliyu’s contributions. This uneven distribution challenges the foundational democratic principle of equal representation and calls for more inclusive policies that address the continued stagnation in southern Borno by its own representatives.

The viral video depicting the rejection of Hon. Midala Balami’s Sallah gift of ₦500,000 by constituents, who expressed their dissent with the Hausa phrase “Bamayi,” meaning “We are not doing it again,” serves as a profound manifestation of political discontent. This incident underscores a significant disconnect between the elected representative and his electorate, highlighting the latter’s dissatisfaction with his performance in the Green Chamber. The outright refusal of monetary compensation symbolizes a deeper repudiation of his legitimacy and effectiveness as a public servant.

Such public displays of rejection are indicative of broader socio-political dynamics where citizens demand accountability and genuine representation rather than superficial gestures. The phrase “Bamayi” encapsulates a collective sentiment that transcends mere opposition; it reflects an active decision to withdraw support from Hon. Balami’s leadership. This event thus becomes emblematic of democratic engagement, wherein constituents assert their right to evaluate and respond critically to their representatives’ actions.

The viral video is not merely about rejecting financial aid but represents an emphatic declaration against perceived inadequate representation in governance structures. It challenges politicians to introspect on their roles and prioritize meaningful service delivery over tokenistic offerings.

Hon. Midala Balami, as the representative of the Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, has received constituency allocations aimed at fostering development within these regions. However, there remains a pressing need for transparency regarding how these funds have been utilized to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the constituents. Constituency allocations are critical for local infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment projects; thus, accountability in their deployment is essential to ensure tangible improvements. 

The lack of detailed public information on Hon. Balami’s specific initiatives or projects funded by these allocations raises concerns among stakeholders and constituents alike. Given that effective governance requires openness and responsiveness to public inquiries, it is imperative that Hon. Balami provide a comprehensive explanation detailing his achievements or ongoing efforts in Hawul and Askira/Uba with respect to the constituency funds allocated to him. Such an explanation would not only enhance trust but also enable informed civic engagement within the constituency.

I am also a youth in this area. I believe that transparency concerning the management of constituency allocations by Hon. Midala Balami is crucial for democratic accountability and sustainable development in Hawul and Askira/Uba. Clear communication about fund utilization will foster confidence among constituents while promoting greater oversight of public resources.

James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift