Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has called for unity, restraint, and internal cohesion within his party as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to intensify.
In a statement titled “2027: Don’t Pull Down the Roof,” Shettima acknowledged the growing wave of consultations, lobbying, and alignments across party structures, describing it as a sign that Nigeria’s democracy remains active and competitive.
However, he warned against the dangers that often accompany political seasons, including internal divisions, misinformation, and the tendency to turn competition into conflict.
“A political party is not a battlefield. It is a family, urging party members to avoid actions that could weaken the collective structure. “The roof must never be pulled down because one room appears warmer than another.” Shettima said.
The Vice President stressed that while ambition is a natural part of democratic politics, it must be managed with maturity and discipline. He cautioned aspirants and their supporters against being influenced by what he described as “mischief-makers” and narratives designed to create suspicion and disunity within party ranks.
He noted that the real challenge lies beyond party primaries, emphasizing that only a united party can secure victory at the general elections.
“A fractured party may produce a candidate, but only a united party can produce victory, highlighting the importance of grassroots support and collective effort in winning elections. he said
Shettima also called on party leaders to ensure fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness in the conduct of primaries. According to him, aspirants must be treated with dignity, while delegates should be allowed to make decisions without undue pressure.
He acknowledged that not all contenders can emerge as candidates, describing such outcomes as “the unavoidable arithmetic of democracy,” and urged those who may lose out to accept results with grace and remain committed to the party.
The Vice President further appealed to supporters to maintain discipline and avoid actions that could damage the party’s long-term prospects, warning that no ambition is worth destroying the platform that sustains it.
Referencing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima said Nigeria’s democratic progress depends on values such as accommodation, resilience, and coalition-building, which he urged party members to emulate.
He concluded by reminding stakeholders that politics should ultimately serve the Nigerian people, not personal interests.
“Contest, but do not destroy. Disagree, but do not defame. Aspire, but do not divide, calling for unity and a shared commitment to national development ahead of the 2027 polls. he said,