2023: TINUBU UNVEIL SHETTIMA AS RUNNING MATE
Hamed Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Standard Flag bearer has unveiled former Borno State Governor, Senator Kashim Shettima as its vice presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections.
Asiwaju Tinubu had on July 10, announced the lawmaker representing Borno Central Senatorial District as his running mate, following the resignation of Ibrahim Masari, who served as a ‘placeholder”.
The event, which was held at the Shehu Yar’adua center in Abuja, has in attendance the party’s presidential candidate and ex-Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, and other chieftains
The Party Chairman Abdullahi Adamu
commended Tinubu for his choice of Shettima, thus following the path of the presumed winner of the 1993 presidential election, Moshood Abiola who picked Babagana Kingibe as his running mate
Extolling the virtues of the ex-Lagos State Governor, the APC Chairman said Tinubu is a detribalized Nigerian who has carried everyone along irrespective of their ethnic and political differences
“He can be trusted to run an all-inclusive government if elected as President in the 2023 general elections.” He said
“The 1993 presidential ticket and the current one bridged one of our fourth lines in the management of our adversities. Nigerians overwhelmingly voted for that ticket because they trusted Abiola – a man who opened his arms to every tribe and religion in this country,” Adamu stated.
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man who has also thrown his arm around every tribe in Nigeria. He has offered his shoulders for those in pain to lean on. He has used his wealth to bring succour to the needy.
“He can be trusted to run an inclusive government in which character, competence and vision matter to his administration.”
Tinubu in his remark said he is grateful for the endorsement of the APC chieftains as the party’s vice presidential candidate.
According to him, every election affords the opportunity to bring hope to millions of Nigerians, promising that if elected, there will be a turnaround of things for the overall good of the masses.
Tinubu said he widely consulted before deciding to pick Shettima as his running mate for the 2023 general elections.
“Much has been said, written about my decision to select Shettima to partner me on this journey. As a committed and progressive leader, I have read and listened to all that has been written and said. It has been an emotional situation for me.,” Tinubu stated.
“Out of many competent Nigerians and out of many advice, I know it has to be my decision. And the hallmark of leadership is taking a decision at the right time when it ought to be taken.
I must begin by thanking President Muhammadu Buhari and the entire APC National Working Committee led by its able Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.
I consider it an honour and a privilege to be here today as our great party’s presidential candidate and standard bearer.
Every election brings with it the promise of renewed hope. This one shall be no different. For our party and for our nation, we hold the chance to move the nation and our collective cause forward as never before.
To do this, we must be wise of thought and courageous of action. We must win this election so that we can bring jobs, education, food, medicine, hope and belief in a better life to the people of this country.
I thank all APC members and supporters for the outpouring of support I have received in the weeks since my nomination by the party.
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.
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.
“I did consult and I am proud to see all of you here acknowledging the quality of our Vice President Kashim Shettima
