Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has stated that the forthcoming presidential election is a “must win” for his party in order to bring jobs, education, food, medicine, and hope, among other things.
Tinubu also defended his choice of former Borno state Governor Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate, saying he remains unwavering in his belief that the lawmaker is “the very best person to run for office and, hopefully, govern by my side.”
Around 30 clerics attended the event, one of whom stated that the Body of Christ should be distinguished from political parties.
Tinubu said at the official unveiling of Kashim Shettima as his running mate on Wednesday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja that Nigeria’s diversity is her strength and that “we must be victorious in order to achieve the greatness of which this country is capable.”
“Every election brings with it the promise of renewed hope.” This one will be no different. For our party and our country, we have an unprecedented opportunity to move the country and our collective cause forward.
“We must be wise in thought and courageous in action.” We must win this election so that we can provide jobs, education, food, medicine, hope, and belief in a better life for the people of this country.”
“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,” said the former Lagos state governor.
“This chapter in our nation’s history necessitates a bold yet pragmatic approach.” I made a commitment to this path by electing Senator Shettima. I made the difficult decision because I believe it is the best choice.
“This is where politics must end and leadership must begin.” True leadership is not founded on religion, populism, or sentiment. To move forward as a nation toward development and prosperity, we must break free from old shackles.
“Senator Kashim Shettima’s career in politics and beyond demonstrates that he is eminently qualified not only to deliver that all-important electoral victory, but also to fill the role of Vice President.” He has my implicit trust and confidence as a man of talent, maturity, character strength, and patriotism.”
…Ticket is not sectional- Shettima
Senator Shettima stated in his acceptance speech that his joint ticket with Tinubu “isn’t an imposition; it’s an outcome of democracy at its most practical, and based on the aggregation of ideas and insights.”
“If this were an unpopular option, as the cast of partisan provocateurs has attempted to portray, there would not have been the flood of goodwill messages from all over the country, especially from distinguished Christians.” This ticket is a Nigerian project, not a sectional agenda that the fearful camps have been attempting to sensationalise.”
“My emergence as the running mate of the inimitable Jagaban Borgu, is based on the party’s very forthright assessment of the threats ahead; and I’m most honoured by the consensus of the distinguished stakeholders of our party, to trust me, with representing the nation’s interests, under the leadership of the very sage,” the former Borno state governor added.
“Today, I must also bear witness to the cyclical nature of history.” But, like those before us, we must resist the temptation to throw a feast over an invitation to serve the people. We must always regard the past as our best teacher, and never take it for granted. This would direct our gaze forward into the future. I’m not blind to the difficult political arithmetic that produced this moment, particularly the understanding of our great Party’s stakeholders and supporters from all religions, regions, and ethnicities. Their willingness to accept this ticket demonstrates their trust in us.
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“I’m sincerely proud of the rational citizens who see this as nothing more than a pragmatic permutation to defeat our opponents at the polls, and based on acknowledgment and implementation of the candid perspectives of our Christian brothers and sisters in the APC, who, like us, are bound by the passion for us to retain power, in order to deepen the delivery of unifying and transformative governance to Nigerians.”
Shettima promised to “work with commitment for all Nigerians, especially the youths, and give a firm assurance that no discrimination of any kind will arise from this patriotic alliance for the deepening of Nigeria’s democracy.”
“I want to assure our throngs of supporters that, in the coming days, we will be rolling out our plans for a greater Nigeria, pointing to the bright future that we envision, and away from the destination of those who have nothing but mudslinging to market as the reason they deserve to be elected.” Such hollow strategies should not be the ideals of a nation yearning for an experienced and documented visionary, such as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the helm.”
…Adamu advises
Senator Abdullahi Adamu, National Chairman of the party, said Nigeria needed men and women of character, competence, and demonstrable evidence of their performance in public or private offices, not religious sentiment, while officially unveiling Shettima.
“Senator Shettima brings to the joint ticket impressive credentials as a political leader and administrator.” Senator Tinubu could not have made a better running mate choice. “He chose a man he believes can work with him to tackle the urgent task of our economic recovery as well as social and political development in peace and security,” Adamu said.
Adamu, on the other hand, warned the APC against disunity, saying that party leaders must rid themselves of the bitterness caused by our individual losses in the party primaries.
“Today’s announcement of the vice-presidential candidate sends a strong signal to the country that our great party is ready and united around the common cause of coasting home with victory at every level in 2023.” But we must not lose sight of the obstacles that lie ahead.
“It’s time to let go of the resentment from our individual losses in the party primaries.” It is time to submit to God’s Will and the party’s well-laid plans for victory. The other political parties want what we want: to win and form the next government.
“If we give in to bitterness and pettiness, fail to see the bigger picture, or take any of the political parties for granted, we will be an impediment to our party’s victory.” That, as the faithful would have it, will not be our lot. Our winning strategy must be based on a shared vision. “I urge us to begin our march now toward the sunrise,” the party’s national chairman also said.
At the event, Atiku Bagudu, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and governor of Kebbi state, described Shettima as one of Nigeria’s finest, adding that the nation’s hope has resonated since Tinubu was announced as the APC presidential candidate.
“He is without a doubt Nigeria’s candidate,” Bagudu stated.
…Bishops and pastors attend
Meanwhile, contrary to the Christian Association of Nigeria’s (CAN) rejection of the ticket, a coalition of bishops and pastors gathered at the Musa Yar’Adu Centre, the site of the APC vice presidential candidate’s unveiling.
Around 30 Christian clerics were seen dressed in cassocks.
On Tuesday, the Christian body issued an official statement condemning any political party that settled for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Speaking to reporters, one of the clerics, identified as Bishop Oguba, stated that he was unaware CAN had taken a position on the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
“If CAN has made a decision, I am not aware of it, and the body has not communicated to me in writing about its decision to oppose a Muslim-Muslim joint presidential ticket.” I’m surprised you’re asking me about the CAN decision. My ministry is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. I’m not just running a ministry.
“The truth about the Muslim-Muslim ticket is an issue I’ve tried to bring to the attention of all clergy to distinguish whether we are politicians or servants of God.” The body of Christ, in my opinion, is not a political party.
“So, if the APC decides to run a Muslim-Muslim ticket, I’m out.” What concerns me is the country’s economy, and I will continue to advise all clergy in this country not to use their selfish interests to harm the country’s economy, because the economy is greater than all religions in this country.
“Clergies should be concerned about the security of the country, not the same faith ticket by any political party.” It is entirely the decision of the political parties, and CAN must take a stand; otherwise, they would have obtained our addresses through CAC and sent circulars to us regarding their decision.”
…The anti-Muslim-Muslim backlash grows.
In a related development, hundreds of protesters stormed the APC national secretariat on Wednesday to express their displeasure with the party’s stance on the contentious Muslim-Muslim ticket.
The protest occurred almost simultaneously with the APC’s leadership unveiling Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
The delegation arrived at the APC national secretariat in six luxury buses and a few cars, carrying various banners and chanting solidarity songs.
Some of the banners read, among other things, “A cry for justice,” “Drop Shettima and give slot to our Christian brothers,” and “Discrimination and mutual suspicion in our country.”
Abdullahi Bilal Mohamadu, Convener of the Forum, told reporters that they would not stop protesting until the party did the right thing.
In a letter to the party’s national chairman, Mohammadu stated that they saw Shetiima’s selection as an aberration that needed to be corrected immediately by the party’s leadership.
“We write to your good office in light of the prevailing circumstances arising from our Presidential candidate’s decision to select a Northern Muslim as his vice presidential candidate,” the statement said.
“While it must be stated that there is a right to make decisions, such decisions must not be made to the collective detriment of the sensibilities of the people who make up the country of Nigeria, especially at a time of mutual suspicion between Christians and Muslims in the northern part of the country.”
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“As concerned APC stakeholders and those who comprise our party’s voting strength, we find it troubling that such a decision could be made without regard for the implications on the party’s electoral chances and the attendant uproar in the country.”
“In our opinion, this is insensitive and a gross display of disrespect for our Christian brothers and sisters, particularly the Middle Belt minority, who have given their all to us as one northern Nigeria.” Choosing another Muslim from the country’s north-east as his running mate is both politically and morally indefensible.
“In Northern Nigeria, there are credible candidates with rich credentials and a massive grassroots following who can supplement the APC’s presidential ticket in the presidential elections.” As a result, the Hausa – Fulani Youths Forum regards Senator Kashim Shettima’s selection as an anomaly that must be corrected immediately by the party’s relevant authorities.
“The implications of inaction in this regard can only be imagined, so much so that the majority of eligible voters in Northern Nigeria have elected to boycott the APC in protest of the disrespect and disregard shown to our Northern Christian brothers, whose population and significance in the scheme of things in the region cannot be overstated.”
“If our party wishes to achieve electoral success in the 2023 presidential elections, it must retrace its steps by selecting a Christian from the Middle Belt as its vice presidential candidate.” By running a Muslim-Muslim ticket, the party must avoid being perceived as promoting a religious agenda.
“As a result, we say no to the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket.” We request that President Muhammadu Buhari intervene to save the party from an electoral crisis. We urge Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to follow President Muhammadu Buhari’s lead in selecting his running mate in the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections.
“Our Christian brothers and sisters deserve a place in the scheme of things, and our party must not be perceived as religiously insensitive.” The time to act is now.”
