Vice President Kashim Shettima has cautioned political actors against actions that could fracture party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging leaders, aspirants and supporters to conduct themselves with restraint and maturity during the emerging political season.

In a strongly worded reflection on the build-up to party primaries, late Wednesday, Shettima said while the flurry of consultations and mobilisation across wards and party structures underscored the vibrancy of Nigeria’s democracy, it also carried the risk of internal divisions if not properly managed.

He warned against equating political competition with hostility, noting that disagreement should not be misconstrued as betrayal or exclusion.

“A political party is not a battlefield; it is a family. Even in the most spirited family, the roof must never be pulled down because one room appears warmer than another,” he said.

The Vice President stressed that democracy was designed to “civilise ambition,” allowing stakeholders to compete without destroying the platform that gives them relevance.

He cautioned party members against being swayed by misinformation, vested interests and divisive narratives, saying such tendencies were often deployed to create suspicion and weaken political structures ahead of elections.

According to him, the real test of political strength lies beyond party primaries, noting that while primaries produce candidates, only unity can secure victory at the general election.

“A fractured party may produce a candidate, but only a united party can produce victory,” Shettima stated.

He emphasised the importance of inclusivity and respect for all stakeholders, describing every member, leaders, delegates and supporters, as critical to the party’s success.

Calling for moderation, the Vice President said political actors must demonstrate discipline in speech and conduct, warning that reckless rhetoric could damage long-term party cohesion.

“We cannot all win at the same time. That is the hard lesson of politics. But how we manage disappointment defines our character and our commitment to the party,” he said.

Shettima also urged party leaders to ensure fairness, transparency and credibility in the conduct of primaries, stressing that aspirants must be treated with dignity while grievances should be addressed with patience and justice.

He noted that while endorsements and preferences were not unusual in politics, they must not translate into intimidation or exclusion.

The Vice President further admonished aspirants and their supporters to prioritise party unity over personal ambition, warning that no political aspiration was worth destroying the platform that nurtured it.

“Politics is a long journey. Many have lost today and won tomorrow. Patience and loyalty remain indispensable virtues,” he added.

He reminded political actors that Nigerians were closely observing their conduct, particularly how they handle disagreement and setbacks, stressing that leadership required emotional discipline and a commitment to collective interest.

Shettima also referenced the political trajectory of Bola Tinubu, noting that his career exemplified accommodation, resilience and coalition-building as essential elements of democratic success.

He called on all stakeholders to lower political tensions, promote dialogue and close ranks after the primaries in preparation for the general elections.

“Contest, but do not destroy. Disagree, but do not defame. Aspire, but do not divide. Lose with dignity and win with humility,” he advised.

The Vice President concluded with a call for unity, warning that internal discord could jeopardise collective political fortunes.

“The roof over this house shelters all of us. If we pull it down in anger, nobody will be spared by the storm,” he said.