As APC decides between Shettima and El-rufai

As APC decides between Shettima and El-rufai

By: James Bwala

The choice of a running mate should bring aura and prestige around the presidential contest with its attendant political capital. However, the wrong choice may spell doom, disenchantment and disillusionment. It is therefore wise for the Presidential candidate and the sponsoring political party to ensure that the choice for the position of a running mate is carefully done with all the odds ticked in affirmation on ground of loyalty.

Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu may win the Presidential elections come 2023 on any platform but he can only succeed in his government only with a sound Vice President. This is the more reason why many Nigerians who had followed the Asiwaju train from the beginning are zeroing in on the former Borno state governor and senator representing Borno Central at the red chamber, Kashim Shettima as the best option for the All Progressive Congress, APC.

Returning from France, where he went to have time to look back and mirror his tracks and reasons for his emergence as the APC Presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu may have narrow the search for the Nigeria’s next Vice President to Borno’s Shettima and Kaduna state governor Nasir El-rufai. But between Shettima and Rufai, who gave him comfort? Who loved him and put his life on the line for him? And who said in the past that he cannot work with a crosier?

Also Read: Kashim Shettima, the best option for APC

In as much as the governors are trying hard to push one of their own. It is time for Tinubu to make and take the most challenging decision. His first decision is the best one. Kashim Shettima will give him everything a President needs in a Vice President. But truely, he will be competing for space with Nasir El-rufai if he makes the mistake of accepting a rattlesnake as his co-traveller.

For the records, the northwest and north Central have enjoyed the support and priviledge of the people of the northeast extraction in the history of politics in Nigeria. This is the time for the northeast to rise up in support of one of their own not only because they want to be represented but because they have a capable hand who has made the difference in the past and continued to proof worthy of trust and a focus leader.

It is easier now for Bola Ahmed Tinubu to choose his VP. He should look at their antecedents and capabilities to stay true to power. There are many case studies from the past administration. A leader should never work with a betrayal. Record has placed the relationships of the Kaduna El-rufai with the Obasanjo administration with the Jonathan administration and with the Buhari’s administration. It was also on record where Kashim Shettima stood with the past and the present. It was also a pointer on how he would stand with the next president of the country if Tinubu emerges.

Nigeria is not a state where the people are narrowed to tolerating high hardheadedness from their leaders. If APC is embracing the Muslim – Muslim ticket, they should not also make the mistake of bringing someone that the Nigerian electorates are already neck deep with on issues of religious fanaticism. A liberal leader with heart for considering the other side and the other people and with vested interest in the unity of the country is the best choice for APC if taking this platform is the only option.

Kashim Shettima had severally called on the move for rotation of the presidency of this country to go to the south. He has stood with Tinubu against the brickwalls from the north and from people who are now having a second thought because they only want position and not service. This is how Tinubu should know between truth and lies. The northeast people are known to be true to their standing and on this they must rise up to speak with one voice.

As APC decides between Shettima and El-rufai