The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has urged aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to maintain unity and avoid actions capable of destabilising the party ahead of its 2027 primary elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Shettima cautioned party members against divisive rhetoric during consultations and campaigns, stressing the need for discipline, restraint and internal cohesion.

The APC has scheduled its primary elections for various elective positions, with the presidential primary fixed for May 23, while other contests for the House of Representatives, Senate and state assemblies are also expected to hold in May 2026.

President Bola Tinubu has already declared his intention to seek re-election and has obtained the party’s nomination form ahead of the primaries.

Shettima said political competition was a normal part of democracy but warned that it must not be allowed to tear the party apart. He described the APC as a political family that must remain united despite internal ambitions and differing interests.

He cautioned aspirants against being influenced by what he described as “mischief makers” who seek to create division within the party for political gain.

According to him, disagreements should not be allowed to escalate into hostility or weaken the party’s structure.

The Vice President also emphasised that the strength of any political party lies in its ability to manage internal competition without resorting to conflict, adding that unity after primaries is critical for electoral success.

He called on party leaders to ensure fairness and transparency in the conduct of the primaries, while urging aspirants and supporters to remain patient and disciplined throughout the process.

Shettima further referenced President Tinubu’s political experience as an example of coalition-building and inclusiveness, saying it should guide the party’s conduct ahead of the elections.

He concluded by urging members to prioritise unity, warning that internal divisions could weaken the party’s chances in the general elections if not properly managed.