Ahmed Alkali calls for calm over outcome of North East APC stakeholders’ meeting

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

 A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Political Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Prof Rufai Ahmed Alkali, has sued for calm over the outcome of the party’s (APC’s) North East Stakeholders’ meeting, cautioning against any divisive rank within the party.

The North East APC stakeholders meeting held in Gombe on Sunday, June 15, 2025, had ended abruptly over the controversy surrounding the absence of a formal endorsement of Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

However, Alkali, in a statement personally signed by him, warned that this is not the time for premature posturing or muscle-flexing.

According to him, “any divisive signals, particularly from within the ranks of our own party, risk undermining not just our legacy but the confidence of Nigerians who entrusted us with leadership.”

He pointed out that it is not unusual in a democracy to have differences of opinion, recalling that over the years, the APC has weathered such challenges with dignity and brotherhood.

The statement reads in part, “As a long-standing and committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), | feel compelled to appeal to all party stakeholders, leaders, and supporters — especially across the North East — to exercise caution, demonstrate political maturity, and remain focused on the unity and stability of our great party.

“It is not unusual, in a thriving democracy such as ours, for differences of opinion to emerge, especially as political momentum gradually builds toward the 2027 general elections.

“However, we must remember that the APC has, over the years, weathered similar moments with dignity and brotherhood — always putting party cohesion and national interest above ail other interests.

“Let it be clear: now is not the time for premature posturing or muscle-flexing. We are barely midway through the current administration, which is still focused on implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Our priority must remain consolidating the achievements recorded so far under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, particularly in securing our nation, reviving our economy, and restoring public confidence in governance.

“Any divisive signals, particularly from within the ranks of our own party, risk undermining not just our legacy but the confidence of Nigerians who entrusted us with leadership.

“The North East has played and continues to play a pivotal role in the APC’s success story. We must, therefore, rise above internal frictions and recommit ourselves to constructive dialogue, inclusive engagement, and party discipline.

“I call on all APC leaders — at the national, zonal, and state levels — to remain calm and focused. Let us guide our actions by wisdom, not emotion; by long-term vision, not short-term advantage.

“We owe this not only to our party but to the Nigerian people who look to us for stability, progress, and leadership.

“Let us close ranks, protect the integrity of the APC, and work together to ensure that the party continues to serve as a platform for national renewal and inclusive development”, the statement concluded.