APC-USA Chairman Prof. Tai Balofin Denies Rift Over Alleged Commission to VP Shettima
The Chairman of the United States chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Tai Balofin, has dismissed what he described as an exaggerated outrage among party stakeholders over an alleged commission involving Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Balofin, speaking on the matter amidst reports of internal murmuring among some APC figures, defended the Vice President’s integrity and urged party members to desist from engaging in “baseless speculations” capable of sowing division within the party’s ranks.
“There is no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the Vice President. These rumors are being peddled by political opportunists trying to exploit internal structures for selfish aims,” Balofin stated.
While the details surrounding the so-called “commission” remain unclear—with no specific accusation formally issued—the controversy reportedly stems from claims that Shettima may have played a role in the facilitation of undisclosed benefits, possibly tied to appointments or contracts.
The allegations, amplified on social media, triggered reactions from some APC members who called for clarification.
Prof. Balofin, however, rejected the outrage as both premature and unfounded. He reaffirmed his trust in the leadership of both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, urging party members at home and abroad to focus on consolidating internal unity and supporting the government’s developmental agenda.
“As members of the diaspora and patriotic stakeholders, we must be wary of any attempt to distract this administration. Prof. Shettima has a long record of public service and should be judged on merit, not rumour,” he said.
This is not the first time Prof. Balofin has spoken out to defend top APC leaders against public criticism. In the past, he has:
• Dismissed reports labeling President Tinubu among the “World’s Most Corrupt Leaders,” accusing investigative platforms like OCCRP of bias.
• Urged Nigerians in the diaspora to support the current administration’s economic reforms.
• Called on party loyalists to be patient with the pace of federal appointments and policy delivery.
His latest remarks come at a time when the APC is battling perception issues and internal strains stemming from appointments, economic hardship, and political competition ahead of upcoming local and state elections.
Prof. Balofin emphasized that the APC must resist external provocations and internal sabotage, noting that disinformation has become a common tool used by the opposition to weaken governing coalitions.
“This is a time for consolidation, not division. We must rally behind our leaders and ensure that the opposition does not succeed in destabilizing the gains we’ve made,” he added.
Although the specific allegations against Vice President Shettima remain vague and unproven, Prof. Balofin’s swift rebuttal reflects a broader strategy by diaspora party chapters to protect the administration’s image abroad—especially among Nigerians in the U.S., many of whom remain skeptical of the federal government’s performance and transparency.
