A summit organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday for party stakeholders from Nigeria’s North-East geopolitical zone ended on a tense note in Gombe State.

Delegates from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states were in attendance, as key highlights included speeches by Governors Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Babagana Zulum (Borno), and Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), who all praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, particularly commending him for supporting a northerner’s eight-year presidency.

The three governors collectively endorsed Tinubu for a second term, urging the north to return the favour in 2027.

However, tensions escalated shortly after APC North-East Vice Chairman, Mustapha Salihu, ended his speech by naming Tinubu as the sole candidate for the next election, without mentioning Vice President Kashim Shettima.

This apparent omission triggered protests from some members, who insisted that the vice president be included in the endorsement.


An attempt by Zulum to calm the situation did little to ease the rising tempers. The commotion intensified until security operatives intervened to restore order.

The party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, later addressed the crowd, separately praising both Tinubu and Shettima, which helped ease the tension.

On May 22, 2025, 22 APC governors unanimously adopted Tinubu as the APC candidate for the 2027 election. The governors also did not mention the vice president during the endorsement.

But Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, distanced himself from the endorsement of Tinubu for a second term in office.

He said he pitied Tinubu. According to him, former President Goodluck Jonathan secured the endorsement of 22 governors of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2015 poll, yet he lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Former vice president and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the recent attack in Yelwata, Benue State, that left many feared dead and called on Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable.

Atiku, in a statement posted on his X account, said the killings underscored the escalating insecurity crisis facing Nigeria.

“I am deeply anguished and shocked by the devastating news of the fresh attacks in Benue State, where over 100 innocent lives are feared lost. These killings, once again targeting defenceless communities, underscore the escalating insecurity crisis facing our nation,” he stated on Saturday night.

The former vice president said the sorrow felt by those orphaned, displaced, and widowed by the attackers could not be adequately expressed in words.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and communities who have suffered unimaginable loss. As a nation, we must pause and reflect on the mounting human toll of this senseless violence.

“I urge the Federal Government and Benue State authorities to launch a prompt, transparent investigation into the attack. The identities of the perpetrators must be swiftly uncovered and justice served.

“Enhance security presence in the region, deploying necessary resources, personnel, equipment, and intelligence to guarantee the protection of vulnerable rural areas,” he said.

He also called for an engagement with affected communities through dialogue, traditional leadership, and civil society to restore confidence and foster resilience.

According to him compensation and support efforts, including medical aid, trauma counselling, and livelihood restoration should be accelerated for survivors and bereaved families.

Atiku added, “This assault on innocent Nigerians is not just a local tragedy, it is a national emergency that demands immediate attention and decisive action. I call on all Nigerians regardless of tribe or religion to unite in condemning this atrocity.

“We must hold our leaders accountable and insist on sustainable solutions to the violent tragedies claiming lives across the country. May God comfort the grieving families, heal our nation, and help us reclaim peace and security for all.”

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated a former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) on his 83rd birthday anniversary.

Tinubu saluted Abubakar for his decades of exceptional service to Nigeria, both in uniform and in retirement.

He also commended his steadfast commitment to peace, stability, and good governance across the African continent.

“General Abubakar’s legacy, particularly his role in leading Nigeria through a peaceful transition to democratic rule in 1999, remains a watershed moment in the nation’s history.

“His selfless act of handing over power paved the way for Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and strengthened the principle of constitutional democracy,” the President said in a statement on Sunday.

He said that as Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abubakar had continued to play a significant role in promoting dialogue, defusing tension, and ensuring credible electoral processes in Nigeria.

He said the former Head of State’s voice of moderation, reason, and statesmanship was deeply valued in a time where unity and leadership are more critical than ever.

“He is a patriot of uncommon integrity whose service inspires generations of Nigerians in public life.

“As he marks another year of life, Nigeria honours his sacrifices, wisdom, and unyielding devotion to the peace and unity of our great nation.

“I wish the former Head of State continued strength, good health, and divine grace in the years ahead,” the statement added.