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Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that only six of the 19 northern governors supported President Bola Tinubu’s presidential ambition ahead of the 2023 general election.
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Shettima said Tinubu refused to abandon his ambition despite opposition from 13 northern governors and other political obstacles allegedly mounted to frustrate his bid for the presidency.
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The Vice President said Tinubu subsequently reconciled with northern governors who did not support him, describing the gesture as a demonstration of leadership and urging politicians in Kwara State to emulate it.
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Shettima also defended the administration’s economic programme, saying the Tinubu government inherited about $3.9 billion when it assumed office but remained determined to implement reforms aimed at turning the economy around.
September 17, (THEWILL) – Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed how President Bola Tinubu pressed ahead with his 2023 presidential ambition despite opposition from a majority of northern governors, saying only six of the region’s 19 governors supported his bid.
Shettima made the disclosure on Wednesday at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, during the turbaning of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate.
The disclosure offers a glimpse into the political difficulties that confronted Tinubu in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, particularly as the contest for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket and subsequent general election triggered competing interests across the country.
Shettima, who was Tinubu’s running mate in the election, said several obstacles were placed in the former Lagos State governor’s path in an attempt to frustrate his presidential ambition.
According to him, Tinubu remained determined despite the opposition.
“You all know that we have 19 states in the North. Out of these, only six actually believed and supported Tinubu, but Tinubu refused to be deterred. He was able to cross the road,” Shettima said.
He recalled a slogan used by opponents of Tinubu at the time, saying, “Then, the slogan was: ‘Baba bayan sushi’ (Buhari said he didn’t like him). Even with all this, Tinubu went ahead with his ambition.”
Tinubu eventually emerged as the APC presidential candidate and went on to win the February 25, 2023 presidential election.
Shettima: Tinubu Would Not Be Arm-Twisted
The Vice President compared Tinubu’s political resilience with that of former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as a politician who would not succumb to pressure during political negotiations.
“Just like former President Muhammadu Buhari; Tinubu would call your bluff and send you away once you try to arm-twist him in any political negotiation,” he said.
Shettima, however, stressed that political disagreements should not become permanent divisions, urging politicians to embrace reconciliation once elections are over.
He cited Tinubu’s conduct after the 2023 election as an example, saying the President reconciled with northern governors who had not supported his presidential bid.
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“After the 2023 election, President Tinubu hugged and forgave all other northern governors who did not support him. That is a mark of a good leader,” he said.
The Vice President consequently urged politicians in Kwara State to close ranks after the APC primaries, regardless of the outcome, and work together in the interest of the state.
Shettima Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Shettima also addressed the economic challenges inherited by the Tinubu administration when it assumed office in May 2023.
He said the Federal Government inherited about $3.9 billion but remained determined to implement its economic programme despite the difficult circumstances.
According to him, the administration’s economic team continued to work on measures aimed at turning the economy around, insisting that Nigeria had benefited from the reforms.
AbdulRazaq Turbaned Sardauna Of Ilorin
Earlier, the Vice President inaugurated the Kwara Revenue House on Ahmadu Bello Way and the Kwara Garment Factory in Ilorin as part of his official visit to the state.
The visit culminated in the conferment of the traditional title of Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq by the Emir of Ilorin.
AbdulRazaq, who is also Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, was honoured for his leadership, public service and contributions to the development of Kwara State.
President Tinubu had earlier described the traditional title as recognition of AbdulRazaq’s leadership and contributions to the development of the state.
The ceremony was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, government officials and other dignitaries, with Shettima using the occasion to emphasise political reconciliation, unity and the need for politicians to move beyond electoral disagreements after elections.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
