Senator Kashim Shettima (left) and Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Former Lagos State governor and the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a Muslim on Wednesday said picking Senator Kashim Shettima who is also a Muslim in a circular country Nigeria as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election was a hard choice.
Tinubu has face serious criticism from all over following his ‘insensitivity’ of picking another Muslim as his running mate. This is coming at a time his ruling party, the APC was accused of religious bigotry in its appointments into key leadership positions in the country and when religious extremism was reintroduced into the mainstream Nigerian politics. As if that was not enough, there are allegations that the APC government led by President Muhammadu Buhari who Tinubu and other are trying to succeed are planning to Islamise Nigeria.
Tinubu, however, said he believed the selection of the two-term former governor of Borno State was the ‘best choice.’ He said this at the unveiling of Shettima as the APC’s vice-presidential candidate in Abuja. Tinubu reiterated his commitment to following the path of good governance, noting that “true leadership is not grounded in religion, populism or sentiment”.
He added that Shettima’s career in politics has shown that he was eminently qualified to ensure the APC’s victory in the 2023 general election and also fit to be the Vice President of the country. The APC National Leader further described the former governor as a “man with the talent, maturity, strength of character, and patriotism”.
Tinubu said: “I stand ready to make this journey and, today, I am delighted to stand shoulder to shoulder with my good friend, brother and running mate; His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima. Much has been said and written about my decision to select Senator Shettima to partner me on this journey.
“As a committed democrat and progressive, I have read and listened to all that has been written and said. It has been an emotional and moving period. I understand the strength of feeling that has been displayed by some within our party and I cherish and respect the views of all.
“Yet, I remain steadfast in my belief in the selection of Senator Shettima. I am unwavering in my belief that is the very best person to run for office and to, hopefully, govern by my side. I believe in the project this party embarked on at the moment of its foundation. I believe our diversity is our strength and I believe that we must be victorious in order to achieve the greatness of which this country is capable.”
He added, “All my life, my decisions regarding the team around and supporting me have always been guided by the principles of competence, innovation, compassion, integrity, fairness, and adherence to excellence. In politics, these principles are sacrosanct. Without them there can be neither victory nor good governance. I seek both.
“I applied them as Governor of Lagos. I apply them again now. This chapter in our nation’s history demands a bold yet pragmatic approach. In selecting Senator Shettima, I have committed myself to this path. I have made the hard choice because I believe it is the best choice. This is where politics must end, and leadership must begin. True leadership is not grounded in religion, populism or sentiment. To forge ahead as a nation toward development and prosperity, we must break free of old binds.
“Senator Kashim Shettima’s career in politics and beyond shows that he is eminently qualified not only to deliver that all important electoral victory, but, also, step into the shoes of the Vice President. As a man with the talent, maturity, strength of character, and patriotism he has my implicit confidence and faith,” Tinubu stated.
