Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged politicians across the country to avoid actions capable of destabilising their political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, Mr Shettima said the growing wave of consultations, alliances and political activities across the country reflects the vibrancy of Nigeria’s democracy, but warned that such developments must be managed with caution.
“The political season is upon us again… aspirants are making calls, elders are receiving visits, and the marketplace of ambition is alive once more,” he stated, adding that the development shows democracy in Nigeria “still breathes.”
The Vice President, however, cautioned politicians against interpreting political differences as acts of betrayal, stressing that competition within parties should not degenerate into hostility.
According to him, political parties should be seen as families where disagreements are resolved without destroying the structure that binds members together.
“A political party is not a battlefield. It is a family… the roof must never be pulled down because one room appears warmer than another,” he said.
Mr Shettima also warned party members against allowing “mischief-makers” and vested interests to create division within party ranks.
He noted that the true test for political actors goes beyond winning party primaries, emphasising that unity remains critical to electoral success.
“A fractured party may produce a candidate, but only a united party can produce victory,” he said.
The Vice President further stressed the need for inclusiveness and mutual respect among party members, noting that every stakeholder has a role to play in strengthening the party structure.
“Each of us is a raindrop… together, we can become the flood that carries our party to victory,” he added.
Mr Shettima described moderation in political conduct as a mark of discipline and maturity rather than weakness, urging aspirants to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the political process.
He acknowledged that not all aspirants would eventually secure party tickets, describing such outcomes as part of the “arithmetic of democracy,” and advised those who lose to accept the results with dignity.
“It takes character to manage disappointment and statesmanship to congratulate a rival,” he stated.
The Vice President also charged party leaders to ensure fairness, transparency and justice in the conduct of party primaries, insisting that legitimacy can only be built on credibility.
He warned against allowing personal ambition to destroy political platforms, urging politicians and their supporters to exercise restraint in their actions and utterances.
Referencing the political journey of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima said Nigeria’s democracy has continued to thrive through accommodation, resilience and coalition-building.
He urged politicians to place collective interest above personal ambition as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
“Contest, but do not destroy. Disagree, but do not defame. Aspire, but do not divide,” he advised.
Mr Shettima reminded political actors that governance, rather than personal ambition, remains the ultimate objective of politics.
“If we pull the roof down in anger, nobody will be spared by the storm,” he warned.
