Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has issued a strong appeal for unity and restraint within political ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections, cautioning party members against actions that could fracture internal cohesion during the increasingly active political season.
In a detailed statement titled “2027: Don’t Pull Down the Roof,” Shettima acknowledged the intensifying wave of consultations, lobbying, and alignments across party structures nationwide, describing it as proof that Nigeria’s democracy remains vibrant and participatory. However, he warned that such periods often come with heightened risks of internal discord, urging stakeholders not to confuse political competition with hostility.
“We must remind ourselves that a political party is not a battlefield. It is a family,” Shettima said, stressing that ambition must be managed within the boundaries of unity and collective interest. “Even in the most spirited family, the roof must never be pulled down because one room appears warmer than another.”
The Vice President emphasized that democracy thrives on competition but warned against destructive tendencies fueled by misinformation, media manipulation, and vested interests. According to him, political actors must resist narratives designed to provoke division and instead prioritize dialogue and mutual respect.
He noted that the real challenge for political parties extends beyond primary elections, arguing that while primaries produce candidates, only unity can secure victory in the general elections. “A fractured party may produce a candidate, but only a united party can produce victory,” he stated, adding that electoral success ultimately depends on grassroots support and public confidence.
Shettima also underscored the importance of inclusiveness within party structures, highlighting that every stakeholder—from party leaders to grassroots supporters—plays a critical role in building a formidable political force. “No stakeholder is too insignificant to be respected,” he said, reinforcing the need for fairness and transparency in party processes.
Addressing party leadership, he called for equitable treatment of aspirants and credible electoral mechanisms that inspire confidence, even among those who may not emerge victorious. At the same time, he urged aspirants and their supporters to exercise restraint, warning that no political ambition should outweigh the survival of the party.
Reflecting on the nature of political contests, Shettima acknowledged that not all aspirants can succeed at once, describing this as the “unavoidable arithmetic of democracy.” He stressed that true political maturity is demonstrated not in victory, but in the ability to handle defeat with dignity and maintain loyalty to the party.
The Vice President further warned that the behavior of political actors is closely scrutinized by the public, noting that Nigerians assess leadership not just by policy proposals but by temperament and conduct. “A politician who destroys his party because he lost a ticket may destroy a state because he lost an argument,” he cautioned.
He urged party members to avoid being swayed by external narratives or sensational headlines, emphasizing the need for internal stability and disciplined communication. According to him, the focus should remain on strengthening the party’s capacity to deliver governance and meet public expectations.
Citing the political trajectory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a model, Shettima highlighted the importance of coalition-building, resilience, and strategic accommodation in sustaining democratic success. He called on party stakeholders to adopt similar principles in navigating the current political climate.
Concluding his message, Shettima appealed for moderation, unity, and a shared sense of purpose among party members, urging them to prioritise collective survival over personal ambition. “Contest, but do not destroy. Disagree, but do not defame. Aspire, but do not divide,” he said, warning that the strength of the party—and its future electoral success—depends on its ability to remain united.
