APC nat’l vice chair northeast, Salihu, emerges Daily Asset’s politician of the year
Nigeria’s leading national newspaper, Daily Asset, has honoured the National Vice Chairman (North East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Mustapha Salihu, as its Politician of the Year, in recognition of his exceptional leadership, strategic foresight, and enduring impact on party administration.
According to the management of the newspaper, the award underscores Salihu’s remarkable rise to the apex of party leadership and his proven capacity to sustain relevance, cohesion, and growth within one of Nigeria’s most politically competitive regions.
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It noted that Dr. Salihu’s leadership journey within the APC has been defined by consistency and resilience.
He was first elected National Vice Chairman of the party between 2016 and 2020, a period during which he laid a solid foundation for party consolidation across the North East.
It noted that after a brief interlude, he returned to the office in 2022 and has since continued to steer the party with renewed vigour, reinforcing its structures and strengthening internal unity.
“Under his stewardship, the APC in the North East has witnessed unprecedented growth and electoral success. Despite stiff opposition from rival political parties, the APC emerged dominant in the region, securing governorship victories in Borno, Yobe, and Gombe States, as well as winning a majority of National Assembly seats.
“Most significantly, the party delivered victory in the 2023 presidential election, producing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Vice President Kashim Shettima, a distinguished son of the North East.
“Beyond electoral triumphs, Dr. Salihu has been instrumental in expanding the APC’s membership base by attracting high-profile politicians and consolidating grassroots support.
“His strategic leadership has enabled the party to withstand persistent incursions by opposition parties seeking relevance in the region, ensuring that the APC remains the dominant political force as the nation looks ahead to the 2027 general elections,” the management said.
The paper noted that Salihu is a leader defined by discipline, patience, and ideological commitment and has consistently championed its ideals and manifesto.
“His diverse professional background—as a former soldier, banker, businessman, and academic—has enriched his approach to party administration. These experiences have earned him the confidence and loyalty of state chapters under his supervision, particularly in navigating and resolving complex political challenges with tact and restraint.
“One of his recent achievements includes the effective mobilisation of party members for a successful e-registration exercise across the North East.
“Dr. Salihu’s preparedness for national leadership is further reinforced by his impressive academic credentials, which include an LLB degree, an MSc, and a PhD in Conflict, Peace and Strategic Studies, with a specialisation in Internal Security and Terrorism. These qualifications complement his practical political experience and underscore his capacity to contribute meaningfully to national stability and democratic consolidation.
“For his visionary leadership, organisational acumen, and outstanding contributions to the growth and unity of the APC in the North East, Daily Asset proudly names Dr. Mustapha Salihu as Politician of the Year,” the management added.
