Tensions flared in Maiduguri on Monday after the All Progressives Congress (APC) omitted Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s photograph from a banner at the North-East Zonal Public Hearing on amendments to the party’s constitution.

The banner prominently displayed images of President Bola Tinubu, the five APC governors from the North-East zone, and the party’s National Legal Adviser, but conspicuously excluded Shettima, despite his position as Vice-President and a key APC leader from the region.

The omission drew immediate criticism from party stakeholders and delegates. Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, publicly protested the slight, calling it “disrespectful” and warning that such actions could heighten tensions within the party.

Observers noted this was not the first time Shettima faced such exclusion; a similar incident at an APC event in Gombe State last year reportedly triggered a fracas, abruptly ending the meeting.

Addressing attendees, Lawan expressed shock over the omission and questioned the organizers’ motives. His remarks were met with loud applause, reflecting widespread disapproval among party members present.