Why I Endorsed Tinubu, Not Shettima, Explains Dalori

The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the North-East, Comrade Ali Bukar Dalori, has defended his public endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, clarifying why he did not mention Vice President Kashim Shettima during the declaration.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Dalori said his comments were based solely on President Tinubu’s performance and were not meant to undermine or exclude the Vice President.

“I did not deliberately omit Vice President Shettima. He is my leader and my brother from the North-East. I was only emphasizing what I believe President Tinubu has done so far and why he deserves another term,” Dalori stated.

Dalori, who also doubles as APC chairman in Borno State, commended Tinubu’s economic and infrastructural reforms, citing improvements in security and social investment efforts.

He said the president has laid a solid foundation for national recovery and development.

When pressed on the optics of excluding Shettima’s name in his endorsement speech, Dalori appealed to party members and the public not to misinterpret his words or stoke division within the party.

“I remain loyal to our party leadership. My statement was not political or personal it was simply a reflection of my view that President Tinubu has performed excellently and deserves continuity,” he said.

The clarification comes amid subtle rumblings within the North-East political bloc over power dynamics and regional representation ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, Dalori emphasized the need for unity and collective focus within the APC to consolidate on the gains of the current administration.