National News
2027: Vice President Kashim Shettima Standing Tall Amidst Misguided Oppositions
2027: Vice President Kashim Shettima Standing Tall Amidst Misguided Oppositions
By: Hon. Yusuf Adamu
In a country often marred by speculation and divisive rhetoric, the insinuations from opposition factions regarding the potential replacement of Shettima by “mischief-makers” are not only misguided but also reflective of a fundamental misunderstanding of the dynamics at play within Nigerian politics.
It is imperative to acknowledge the significance of partnerships in political leadership. Vice President Kashim Shettima has uniquely positioned himself as a pivotal figure in this administration, not merely as a subordinate but as a strategic ally to President Tinubu. Their relationship is rooted in mutual respect and shared goals, transcending partisan interests and religious affiliations.
Contrary to the narratives spun by opposition voices, there has been no indication from President Tinubu regarding any intention to replace his vice president. This sentiment is echoed by the general populace who recognize the necessity of stability and continuity during these critical times.
The intricacies of Tinubu and Shettima’s alliance are further underscored by their respective backgrounds and experiences. Both leaders have weathered the storms of political challenges and have showcased resilience that resonates with the Nigerian electorate.
It is essential not to reduce their achievements or the worth of their partnership to mere religious identities—Muslim – Muslim. Such simplifications undermine the rich tapestry of relationships that they have cultivated across different demographics throughout their political careers.
One cannot overlook the years of camaraderie, exemplified by Kashim Shettima’s longstanding friendships, particularly with notable figures such as Dr. James Bwala, who has written hundreds of articles in publications online either promoting or defending the vice president. This enduring relationship is illustrative of Shettima’s capacity to foster cross-cultural connections and to engage meaningfully with individuals from various backgrounds.
His engagement with Christians and their communities has been robust, demonstrating that his political strategy is inclusive rather than exclusionary. Shettima’s authentic relationships illustrate his commitment to unity and collaboration, affirming that the political landscape can be navigated without falling prey to division based on religious lines.
Also Shettima’s heritage plays a crucial role in this narrative. Hailing from the El-Kanemi lineage, he draws upon a rich historical legacy that reinforces his credibility. His familial and political roots in northern Nigeria provide a strategic advantage for Tinubu’s administration, enabling effective outreach and engagement in a region that holds considerable sway in national politics.
This familiarity, combined with Shettima’s adept handling of political maneuverings, ensures that the partnership remains compelling, maintaining its relevance well into the future.
The skepticism from opposition parties about the viability of this partnership is not new. Historically, political alliances in Nigeria have been fraught with uncertainty and betrayal. However, an examination of this particular partnership reveals a contrasting story marked by tenacity and strategic foresight.
As opposition narratives swirl, Tinubu and Shettima are focused on governance, leveraging their strengths to address the multifaceted challenges facing the nation. Shettima’s international representation on behalf of the President speaks volumes of the trust and confidence placed in him, a testament to his effectiveness as a vice president and a political partner.
As we reflect on the broader implications of this partnership, it becomes evident that the political landscape is evolving. The criticisms hurled by mischief-makers serve not to deter but to galvanize support for Tinubu’s administration. In fact, the apparent disconnect between the actions of the opposition and the realities on the ground may very well be hindering their ability to connect with the electorate.
People are increasingly discerning and capable of distinguishing between politically motivated rhetoric and genuine leadership. In light of this, it is critical to underscore the importance of vision and coherence in leadership. The synergy between Tinubu and Shettima can be characterized as emblematic of a larger movement aimed at fostering development, inclusivity, and progress within Nigeria.
Their collective vision, grounded in principles of governance that resonate across diverse groups, positions them as a formidable force against any opposition efforts that seek to undermine their mission.
Also, examining the socio-political context it reveals that the partnership extends beyond mere electoral calculations. It is about nurturing a cohesive Nigeria where all citizens can thrive irrespective of their religious beliefs. This notion should be taken into account when evaluating the efficacy of the administration.
As both leaders navigate complex political terrains, it is essential to recognize that their administration seeks to embody a spirit of unity, promoting peace and collaboration amongst varied sectors of the population. The partnership between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima is not only enduring but also transformative.
Critics and naysayers may attempt to dismantle this alliance through speculation and unfounded allegations, yet the evidence supports a different narrative—one of resilience, unity, and a shared vision for Nigeria’s future. While the opposition may continue their machinations, the focus must remain on the substantive work that both leaders are undertaking in service to their country.
This partnership, built on strength, mutual respect, and a profound understanding of Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, is poised to remain intact and fruitful until at least 2031. Ours is a time for action, partnership, and unwavering commitment to the ideals that will propel Nigeria towards a brighter future.
Hon. Yusuf Adamu, writes from Maiduguri
2027: Vice President Kashim Shettima Standing Tall Amidst Misguided Oppositions
National News
Experts Warn Senate Amendment to Electoral Act May Weaken Electronic Transmission Safeguards
Experts Warn Senate Amendment to Electoral Act May Weaken Electronic Transmission Safeguards
By: Michael Mike
A coalition of electoral reform advocates, legal experts and technology specialists has warned that the proposed amendment to Clause 60(3) of Nigeria’s Electoral Act could undermine recent gains in electoral transparency if not carefully revised.
They gave support to the position of the House of Representatives over that of the Senate, stating that the lower legislative arm position on the amendment of the electoral act was a lesser devil than that of the upper chamber.
The position emerged from an Expert Round Table convened in Abuja on Friday by ActionAid Nigeria, YIAGA Africa and the Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria. The meeting brought together academics, civil society leaders, lawyers, engineers, election administrators and governance specialists to examine the implications of the National Assembly’s amendment to Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.
At the centre of deliberations was the provision dealing with electronic transmission of election results. While the current law provides for electronic transmission, the Senate’s amendment affirms that manually signed polling unit results remain legally valid if electronic transmission fails. Participants argued that this caveat could reopen long-standing vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Experts at the forum stressed that credible elections are the bedrock of democratic legitimacy and political stability. They noted that Nigeria’s democratic history has repeatedly been strained by allegations of manipulation, flawed collation processes and protracted post-election litigation. According to participants, strengthening transparency in result transmission is critical to rebuilding public confidence.
A major focus of the discussion was the role of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in safeguarding results at polling units. Participants described electronic transmission not merely as a technological innovation but as a protective mechanism against manipulation during collation — historically considered the weakest link in Nigeria’s elections.
Technical experts at the meeting maintained that electronic transmission is largely feasible nationwide, citing data that shows approximately 98 per cent network coverage across polling units, with only about two per cent classified as connectivity blind spots. They recommended targeted infrastructure investment to address these gaps rather than reverting to manual safeguards that could compromise transparency.
Concerns were also raised about legal ambiguities in the proposed amendment. Participants observed that the Senate version does not explicitly mandate electronic transmission through BVAS, nor does it clearly outline procedures in the event of technical failure. This, they argued, could create loopholes and fuel conflicting interpretations between manual and electronically transmitted results.
Another issue highlighted was the legal status of regulations issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Many operational guidelines governing electronic transmission are contained in subsidiary regulations rather than entrenched in the Act itself, potentially weakening their enforceability in court.
The experts warned that ambiguity in the law could increase election petitions and deepen what they described as the “judicialization of politics,” where electoral outcomes are increasingly determined in courtrooms rather than at the ballot box.
Beyond the amendment, participants identified broader institutional challenges affecting electoral integrity, including perceived executive influence in appointments to INEC, vote buying, weak enforcement of electoral offences and political interference. They called for comprehensive reforms to strengthen the independence and technical capacity of the electoral body.
In their resolutions, the roundtable participants reached consensus that electronic transmission should be clearly established in law as the primary and legally binding method for transmitting election results. They expressed preference for the version passed by the House of Representatives, which does not prioritise manually signed results in cases of transmission failure, while recommending further refinements to ensure clarity.
They also urged lawmakers to incorporate key INEC regulations directly into the Electoral Act, reform judicial procedures governing election disputes for faster resolution, and invest in election technology infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the experts advocated a long-term reform agenda that could eventually include electronic voting, drawing from international best practices. They further called on the National Assembly to conduct a public hearing on the technical glitches recorded during the 2023 general elections to prevent recurrence and enhance accountability.
The meeting concluded that Nigeria’s democratic future depends on ensuring that electoral reforms strengthen — rather than dilute — safeguards designed to reflect the true will of voters. Participants pledged continued legislative engagement and public advocacy to protect the integrity of the country’s electoral framework.
Experts Warn Senate Amendment to Electoral Act May Weaken Electronic Transmission Safeguards
Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria in Ethiopia
By: Our Reporter
Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria Hajiya Nana Shettima arrived Addis Ababa With Her Husband, Senator Kashim Shettima to attend the 30th General Assembly of Organization of African First Ladies For Development (OAFLAD) while The Vice President will be attending the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union Heads of States and Government on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Mrs Shettima is Representing First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON.
The African First Ladies are expected to Focus on internal issues and advance OAFLAD’s strategic priorities.
The 30th General Assembly’s open session under the theme “Building Resilience for Women and Girls: Climate, Conflict, and Sustainable Futures will be held on the 15th of February.
Mrs Shettima who left Abuja this afternoon for Addis Ababa the Capital of Ethiopia will participate in various meetings with African First Ladies spanning for Three Days
Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria in Ethiopia
Vice President Shettima Arrives Ethiopia Ahead Of AU Summit
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government, as well as the 30th General Assembly, scheduled to hold on February 14 and 15, 2026, respectively.
The Vice President was received at the Bole International Airport by the Ethiopian Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Belete Mola, alongside the Ethiopian State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Berhanu tsegaye; Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Amb. Dunoma Ahmed; Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Nigeria, Ethiopia, Amb. Nasiru Aminu; Head of Consular and Ambassador-Designate, Amb. Geoffrey Chima and other government officials.
On arrival, the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Tuggar, debriefed the Vice President on his itinerary at the Summit.
This year’s AU summit, with the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” will focus on advancing continental commitments toward sustainable water management, improved sanitation systems, and the broader development aspirations encapsulated in the AU’s Agenda 2063 framework.
Besides the Heads of State meetings, Senator Shettima will participate in high-level side events, and bilateral engagements with political and business leaders aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic partnerships across the continent.
Speaking with journalists after debriefing the Vice President, Amb. Tuggar said the launch of the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) is a strategic move to consolidate and strengthen the democratic culture in Africa.
On the gains of the summit, the Minister noted that the country was already taking in the benefits of her participation, with the confirmati on of Nigeria as the host of the African Monetary Institute and the African Central Bank as well as its nomination to the board of the bank.
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