Why I chose Shettima as running mate — Tinubu

Published

4 years ago

July 10, 2022

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The Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, on Sunday in Daura, disclosed that he chose former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, as his running mate because he is “competent and reliable”.

He also claimed that the APC has a better programme for the country and is ready to serve.

Tinubu said this shortly after he visited the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), at his Daura home in Katsina State.

Speaking shortly after a closed-door session with the President, he explained why he chose Shettima as running mate saying, “I chose him because he is competent, capable and reliable.”

On the purpose of his visit, he said “We came to pay homage to him (Buhari) and to share part of his holiday and lunch. And to discuss the question of my substantive running mate .

“The one we put in as placement has withdrawn today. There has been an announcement to replace him fully with a substantive candidate, Kashim Shettima.”

Asked about his party’s chances in next year’s presidential elections, the former Lagos State governor said, “We are going to win Insha Allah. Because we are a progressive party. We have the focus on the Nigerian problems and we face the challenge squarely and we’re not running away from it. We have a better programme for the people and about the people and we are ready to serve.

“Within a short period, there’s been a strong foundation on infrastructure. We faced a challenge of terrorism we know that. It’s only a poor thinker and observer who will not recognize the challenge. But once you recognize the challenge, you can prepare yourself very well to tackle it and defeat it. And that is what our party is all about.”

Earlier on Sunday, the placeholder for the position of running mate to the APC presidential candidate, Ibrahim Masari, announced his resignation to the party.

In a letter he signed and addressed to members of the APC Masari said, “This is to inform our esteemed party leaders under our able President, Muhammadu Buhari, teeming party members and the great people of Nigeria, of the outcome of a crucial discussion I just had with the flagbearer of our great party, the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I had the singular honour and privilege of being nominated as the running mate to Asiwaju Tinubu last month after a keenly contested presidential primary ahead of the 2023 general election.

“But, after much reflection and wider consultations, I now wish to step down. I realised that my decision will enable Asiwaju to have more latitude to give more accommodation and inclusion that will position our party to win the coming elections, with the support of the people of Nigeria.

“In stepping down, I believe I can still serve our party and the country in several other capacities.

“I wish to confirm that I have submitted my withdrawal letter and affidavit to that effect as the vice-presidential candidate to Asiwaju Bola TInubu in the coming elections.”

Tinubu’s statement on his choice of Shettima:

Statement by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Presidential Flag Bearer of the All Progressives Congress on his Choice of the Vice Presidential Candidate. July 10, 2022.

1. Fellow Nigerians, we enter a moment of renewed hope. We hold the chance to move the nation and our collective cause forward as never before. Let us seize this moment so that history may write kindly of us.
2. It is time to focus with utmost devotion and love of country to do all we can do to advance the ideals of democratic and progressive good governance in the land.
3. We must end poverty and bring greater prosperity and more lasting peace. Let us be wise of thought yet courageous in action, as we embark on a collective enterprise that brings jobs, education, food, medicine, hope and belief in a better life to those who need them.
4. I stand ready to begin this journey with you, hopefully, to lead the nation on this needed path as your next President by the grace of God. I believe this is a pivotal moment at which the dynamics of history and destiny call us forth to reshape our beloved nation. This is our moment.
5. We all must answer the nation’s call. For some, this requires of us that we step forward, assuming new roles and responsibilities. For others, it may mean something else. For all of us, it requires that we dedicate ourselves to the collective national task as never before.
6. To re-envision and reshape the nation, I must compose the best team possible, a team put together with but one overriding purpose: to forever establish just, capable, and compassionate governance for the people of Nigeria without regard to religion, region, or ethnic origin.
7. In the weeks since becoming the presidential candidate and standard-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have been touched as Nigerians from all walks of life have demonstrated their faith in my capacity to lead this country. I thank you for the outpourings of support for they reveal to me the hope you hold for this nation’s greatness. As long as we walk together and work together, we shall arrive at our national greatness together. To this glad and great endeavour, I fully devote myself and my future labour.
8. In full compliance with existing law and regulation, I submitted all necessary documents regarding my nomination as the APC presidential candidate to INEC. But, as was expected, the choice of my vice presidential running mate remained an open and burning question.
9. This gave rise to much speculation and debate.
10. Recent events [the voluntary withdrawal of my dear friend and brother Ibrahim Masari] mean that I am called upon, today, to put an end to the speculation.
11. I have never been an indecisive man and have no present intention to become one.
12. What I am, however, is a democrat. And a democrat must listen to, and consult with, the people and his advisors so that he may reform and govern wisely and on their behalf. This I have done. My political career was not built on blind indifference to the views of others. I appreciate the perspectives of leading members of the party, political allies and key national figures who see Nigeria’s future as I do. They gave me their views so that I might add their valuable insights to mine to reach the best decision possible and do so in a manner that strengthens the institutional fabric of our party as well as accelerating the evolution of our political democracy.
13. I am also a founding member of the APC. I hold our party’s core principles close to heart such that I shall do nothing to betray the spirit in which the party was created.
14. Having now listened to the sage, careful advice of a broad section of the party and of the nation, there are a few points I feel I must make about the exceptional and extraordinary person with whom I will share the APC ticket and the principles of open and good governance that informed this choice.
15. A dominant theme of my political history and my personal life is my staunch belief in our diversity. Greatness lies in embracing our diversity and making it work to enhance the dynamism and justice of our political system. My selection of a running mate comports entirely with this longstanding inclination.
16. The concurrence of my party in this matter has been a source of comfort and encouragement. We are truly building a progressive party that not only represents a departure from other political parties but one that truly may well be the best hope for democratic good governance in Nigeria.
17. I realize the momentous times we have entered. I know what lies in the balance. I also know that our political choices and activities send both intended and unintended signals to portions of the Nigerian electorate.
18. 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.
19. When I was Governor of Lagos State, these principles helped me assemble one of the most capable governing cabinets any state or this nation has ever seen. I trust enough in these principles to allow them to, once more, guide me to construct another exemplary team that can do Nigeria proud.
20. Second, this chapter in our country’s history demands a bold yet pragmatic approach, a path already chartered by the progressive ethos of the APC. The foundation for sustainable progress has been laid these past seven years by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. The challenges of today are consequential because the lives and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians lie in the balance. Visionary and creative leadership will take us to our goal.
21. Our focus, therefore, must be on getting the job done; and that means getting the very best and competent people to do it. In this crucial moment, where so much is at stake, we must prioritize leadership, competence, and the ability to work as a team over other considerations.
22. I am mindful of the energetic discourse concerning the possible religion of my running mate. Just and noble people have talked to me about this. Some have counselled that I should select a Christian to please the Christian community. Other have said I should pick a Muslim to appeal to the Muslim community. Clearly, I cannot do both.
23. Both sides of the debate have impressive reason and passionate arguments supporting their position. Both arguments are right in their own way. But neither is right in the way that Nigeria needs at the moment. As president, I hope to govern this nation toward uncommon progress. This will require innovation. It will require steps never before taken. It will also require decisions that are politically difficult and rare.
24. If I am to be that type of President, I must begin by being that type of candidate. Let me make the bold and innovative decision not to win political points but to move the nation and our party’s campaign closer to the greatness that we were meant to achieve.
25. Here is where politics ends, and true leadership must begin.
26. Today, I announce my selection with pride because I have made it not based on religion or to please one community or the other. I made this choice because I believe this is the man who can help me bring the best governance to all Nigerians, period, regardless of their religious affiliation or considerations of ethnicity or region.
27. May I say this to all of you, especially to those who will be disappointed in my selection based on religious considerations. I will not and cannot ignore the religious concerns and ethnic sensitivities of our people. Taking them into due consideration is an important part of good and able governance. But religion, ethnicity and region cannot always and fully determine our path. To forge ahead as a nation toward development and prosperity, we must break free of old binds. We must recalibrate our political calculations to where competence and fairness matter more than reductive demographics.
28. This is why, today, I announce the selection of SENATOR KASHIM SHETTIMA as my partner and running mate in the mission to advance and reclaim the fortunes of this great country and the hopes of its people.
29. Senator Kasim 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.
30. I am aware that many will continue focus on a particular detail, the question of his faith.
31. However, if we truly understand the challenges upon us a nation, then we must also see the imperative of placing competence in governance above religious sentiment.
32. In 1993, Nigerians embrace Chief MKO Abiola and a fellow Muslim running mate, Baba Gana Kingibe in one of our fairest elections ever held.
33. The spirit of 1993 is upon us again in 2023.
34. As such, the ticket we present today represents a milestone in our political history. It symbolizes our party’s determination to be a leading light among political parties in Africa.
35. The democratic process and the decorum that characterised our presidential primaries and the selection of our vice presidential candidate exemplifies why we are the party of the people and of the betterment of their future. With this selection the All Progressives Congress surely shall continue to be the party that shows the way and carries this nation towards its best future. I implore you all to join with me on this journey to a brighter future.

Signed.
Asiwaju Bola A. Tinubu,
APC Presidential candidate

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Oyo school abductions: Makinde signs executive order, restricts Okada

Published

7 hours ago

June 5, 2026

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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state
has signed Executive Order No. 002 of 2026, aimed at strengthening security, enforcing vehicle registration regulations and improving traffic management across the state.

The governor also announced restrictions on the operations of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as “Okada” riders.

The development follows growing concerns over security challenges in parts of the state, particularly the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area more than 20 days ago.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in his Office on Friday, Makinde said the executive order was designed to ensure strict compliance with existing laws governing vehicle registration and traffic regulations.

He noted that unregistered vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles have increasingly been used to perpetrate criminal activities within the state.

According to the governor, security agencies often encounter difficulties tracking and investigating crimes involving unregistered vehicles because of the absence of identifiable registration details.

Governor Makinde explained that the executive order would provide a legal framework for the strict enforcement of vehicle registration requirements and other traffic regulations, including measures against driving against traffic and related offences.

According to him, designated enforcement authorities have been empowered to arrest offenders and impound vehicles, motorcycles, or tricycles found violating the provisions of the order.

The governor said offenders apprehended under the executive order would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, while seized assets and properties would be handled through established legal procedures.

The governor linked the latest security measures to lessons learnt from recent security breaches, especially the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

“We are living through very trying times; for over 20 days, our teachers and pupils have remained in captivity in the hands of terrorists. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them and with their families who continue to endure unimaginable pain and uncertainty,” He said.

He assured residents that his administration remained fully committed to securing the safe return of all abducted victims and was working relentlessly with relevant security agencies to achieve that objective.

“As a government, we share in their anxiety and their hope, and we remain committed to doing everything within our power to secure the safe return of every one of them,” Makinde said.

The governor acknowledged the pain being experienced by the affected families and communities, stressing that the abducted teachers and pupils had neither been forgotten nor abandoned.

While declining to disclose operational details for security reasons, Makinde maintained that extensive efforts were ongoing behind the scenes and urged residents not to mistake the government’s silence for inaction.

One of the major highlights of the executive order is the restriction placed on commercial motorcycle operations across Oyo State.

Makinde announced that commercial motorcycle operators would no longer be permitted to operate between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. statewide, describing the measure as part of additional efforts to improve security and public safety.

The governor said the restriction became necessary as part of broader strategies to curb criminal activities and strengthen surveillance across communities.

He appealed to residents to actively support security agencies by providing timely information on suspicious movements and activities.

According to him, security remains a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of all citizens.

“If you see something, say something, and authorities will do something,” he said, while reminding residents of the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615, for reporting security threats and emergencies.

Makinde also urged residents to remain vigilant, united and resilient despite the current security challenges, warning against allowing fear to undermine communal harmony and confidence.

He commended security agencies and members of the state’s security outfit, Amotekun Corps, for their dedication, sacrifices and professionalism in responding to security threats across Oyo State.

The governor expressed optimism that with sustained collaboration among security agencies, community stakeholders, and residents, the abducted teachers and pupils would be rescued safely and security across the state would be further strengthened.

In his address at the event, the Attorney General of the state and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, stated that the implementation of the order would be carried out by relevant agencies, including the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement bodies, which would be required to submit periodic reports on enforcement activities to the state government.

To ensure transparency and accountability, Aikomo stated that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions would provide oversight on prosecutions arising from the enforcement exercise, while members of the public would be encouraged to report any misconduct by officials involved in implementing the order.

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Nigeria set to repatriate over 1,000 nationals from South Africa as violence continues

Published

8 hours ago

June 5, 2026

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The Federal government has kick-started plans to bring back home more than 1,000 Nigerians from South Africa as concerns grow over rising anti-immigrant sentiments and renewed xenophobic tensions in the southern African nation.

According to reports, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday that screening for a voluntary repatriation programme began on Thursday, with authorities expecting over 1,000 Nigerians to participate.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa told AFP that the final number of those seeking to return home had not yet been determined but noted that the figure was expected to exceed 1,000.

“Total figure not out yet,” he said. “We are expecting over 1,000 persons.”

The move follows a similar action by Ghana, which recently repatriated hundreds of its nationals from South Africa amid increasing fears over protests and violence directed at foreign nationals.

In a statement dated Tuesday, Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria said it had “negotiated waivers with host authorities” so that those with “immigration-related offences” would be allowed to leave on the eventual repatriation flights rather than be detained.

South Africa, until recently the continent’s most industrialised economy, has long attracted workers from across the region.

But saddled with an unemployment rate of over 30 per cent, it has seen repeated spurts of xenophobic protests — including renewed violence in recent weeks.

The latest tensions have revived uncomfortable debates across Africa about xenophobia, migration and the gap between pan-African rhetoric and realities facing migration on the continent.

An ultimatum by one citizen-led group for illegal migrants to be expelled by June 30 has raised fears of violence after bouts of anti-immigrant unrest in the past that claimed dozens of lives.

Last month, Ghana repatriated some 300 people, the first batch of what authorities said was expected to be a total of about 800 Ghanaian nationals.

The South African government has said it is stepping up enforcement against undocumented immigrants but urged citizens not to take matters into their own hands.

There are more than three million foreigners living in South Africa, or 5.1 per cent of the population, according to the statistics agency.

More than 63 per cent come from countries in the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc.

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Again, WAEC candidates write exams with Torchlight

Published

9 hours ago

June 5, 2026

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The 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) got off to a dark start on Thursday across several centres in Oyo, Lagos, Ogun and Osun states.

Due to the late arrival of examination materials, several candidates were forced to sit for papers late into the evening.

On Monday, candidates reportedly waited several hours before writing the Physics Essay and Objective papers, which were scheduled for 2pm and 3:30pm respectively.

The delays persisted on Wednesday, with the General Mathematics Objective paper starting at 6:30pm in some centres and as late as 8:30pm in others, leaving candidates to finish the examination after 10pm.

The situation was said to be particularly severe in some centres in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

The first batch of the Agricultural Science practical examination was slated for 2pm, while the second batch was scheduled for 3:30pm.

However, as of 8pm, some centres in the state had yet to commence the examination.

Due to the delay, candidates reportedly sat the examination under poor lighting conditions.

In a viral video, several students could be seen writing the examination with torchlights, mobile phone flashlights and solar-powered lamps.

The incident has since triggered widespread outrage on social media.

Mariam Kehinde, an X user, said that as of past 8pm on Thursday, her sister was yet to return home from the examination centre.

“What exactly is happening in this country sef? My sister left for her WAEC exam since morning and still hadn’t returned home,” she wrote.

“She called around 6pm saying their exam paper had just arrived at that time nitori olorun. She was still at the exam centre, and my mum even had to wait.”

Adedeji Adeyinka, another user, described Thursday’s conduct of the examination as “particularly disturbing”.

“Candidates writing Government completed the Theory paper and were instructed to wait for the Objective paper, only for the question paper to arrive more than FOUR HOURS later,” he posted.

“How is this acceptable in a national examination? Even more shocking was the situation faced by students writing Agricultural Science Practical. An examination scheduled for 2:00 p.m. did not commence until about 9:00 p.m. in many parts of Oyo State.

“A seven-hour delay is not a minor inconvenience. It is a systemic failure.”

Another X user identified as Mum Ire also lamented the shortage of question papers during Wednesday’s Mathematics examination.

“Out of 75 candidates, only 35 Mathematics question papers were brought to the examination centre for the entire exam yesterday,” she wrote on Thursday.

“When did WAEC start operating like this?

“Now we are being told that the Agriculture Science practical questions are on the way at 8:10 pm.”

Joel Abodunrin also decried the shortage of question papers.

“WAEC’s been doing well until today,” he wrote on Wednesday.

“An examination hall of about 250 candidates and having Mathematics question papers for only 120.

“Getting to tear the questions into pieces so that all could have something to do.”

Hakeem Olaoye, another user, said candidates were being made to write examinations at unreasonable hours.

“WAEC exam being conducted late in the evening.

“The Agric practical exam that was supposed to be held by 2pm just commenced some minutes after 7pm,” he wrote.

“Very disheartening indeed. Likewise for Mathematics. A school with 130 students was given 16 question booklets to share among.”

The development has raised concerns about the safety of candidates amid the country’s growing security challenges.