Politics

BUHARI’S CONSENSUS CANDIDATE: THE BLIND MAN’S BUFF

Published

3 years ago

June 10, 2022

News Net Global

BUHARI’S CONSENSUS CANDIDATE: THE BLIND MAN’S BUFF

BY CHRIS GYANG

Nothing rattles Mr. President. That is, the way the leader of a country that has fulfilled all the undignified requirements of a failed state naturally should.

Confronted with relatively less problems, leaders of other democracies, even dictatorships, have been known to quake, but gather themselves up and trudge on. But not Mr. Buhari. He appears to have crumbled a long time ago from the sheer weight of the responsibilities of governance.

Even the uptick in kidnappings for ransom, armed banditry, Fulani herdsmen’s violent land-grabbing in parts of the Middle Belt, Islamist terrorism, mind-bugling corruption in the corridors of his administration and run-away inflation, among others, do not shake our president no more. Afterall, these are the frightening outcomes of his lethargic, laid-back, leadership style.

Quite instructively, in April this year, a prestigious Scottish university shared the picture of President Buhari on twitter reclining comfortably on a settee at the presidential palace picking his teeth, obviously after a sumptuous meal. This is in stark contrast with the poverty, hunger and general state of discontent ravaging ordinary Nigerians. According to the institution, the picture was used to illustrate bad and insensitive leadership. They accurately hit the bull’s eye.

That twitter representation of our president also captured the very essence of the man and his leadership style in a country buffeted on all sides by monstrous problems, most of them caused by a leadership deficit. But even before then, because the president had continued to show an almost complete lack of interest in the burning problems threatening to over-run the country, there was a time it was widely believed that the man in Aso Rock was Buhari’s body double, a foreign impostor from Sudan known as ‘Jubril.’

Many Nigerians could not rationalize how a true national leader could display such crass ambivalence to the tempests tottering the ship of state. And although the conspiracy theory that it was Jubril of Sudan and not the ‘original’ Buhari who gave the plagiarized “I am for no one but for everyone” speech that was at the Villa was later proved wrong, Mr. Buhari has remained as aloof and absent-minded as ever.

Many other Nigerians who claimed he had dementia still hold on to that belief and cite Mr. Buhari’s tepid responses to the killings, abductions for ransom, armed banditry, armed herdsmen’s attacks, etc, as glaring examples.

But there is still a very notable exception to these. Matters of partisan politics, wielding and dispensing power (with large doses of nepotism) and choosing his own successor, excite Mr. President in no small measure. To Buhari and the core northern political, religious and feudal establishments, political power is an end in itself. They proudly call it MULKI up north and hanker after it with uncommon zeal.

For them, controlling the levers of the Federal Government is sufficient, even if large swathes of their own states are in the hands of terrorists, bandits and other well-armed gangs. For them, it is enough to be president even if your region holds the ignoble record of having the largest number of poor people and out of school children in the country, not to mention their concomitant consequences.

Unfortunately, it is these and such other beliefs that have underpinned Buhari’s administration in the last seven years. And it is on that basis that he wishes to impose another northerner on the country during his APC’s presidential convention.

It is so frightening that President Buhari’s misplaced but growing sense of entitlement, self-accomplishment and self-worth make him feel that he should be allowed by the ruling APC to single-handedly determine its presidential candidate in next year’s election. Apparently, he wants to perpetuate this sweltering nightmare, state of anomy, that has become Nigeria’s new normal since he assumed power in 2015.

In a meeting with APC governors on May 31, 2022, President Buhari spelt out his demand in no uncertain terms. DAILY TRUST newspaper (June 1, 2023) captured it this way: “President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday dropped a bombshell when he told the governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to allow him to make a choice for his successor.”

According to the tabloid, the governors were taken aback because they had expected the president to allow them choose one of them to succeed him. But the president’s demand should not have come as a surprise to the governors because there appears to have been an understanding between them and the president on this matter. Thus, he reminded them that the Party had already put in place smooth succession plans at the local government, state and national levels.

“For example,” Mr. Buhari explained, “first term governors who have served credibly well have been encouraged to stand for re-election. Similarly, second term governors have been accorded the privilege of promoting successors that are capable of driving their visions as well as the ideals of the party.”

Aggrieved Party members in states such as Plateau who felt that their second-term governors unjustly imposed their successors in the recent primary elections now know that they did so with the tacit backing of Aso Rock. The pact was that the governors would also bend over backwards to serve the interest of Mr. President when it comes to choosing his own successor.

So if such APC members had had any hopes of extracting justice through the intervention of Mr. Buhari or their Party’s national leadership, they should kiss that hope goodbye.

Now the president wants his pound of flesh from the state governors. He is telling them that, in the spirit of give and take, they should also allow him choose the presidential candidate of the APC. During that meeting with the governors, he proceeded to pontificate about the values of democracy and the goals and benefits of good governance in a way that completely belied his democratic credentials and the way he has misled the country so far.

Hear him: “In a few days, the party will be holding its convention during which primaries would take place to pick the presidential flag bearer for the 2023 General Elections. This is a very significant process and its outcome should prove to the world, the positive quality of the APC regarding democratic principles, culture as well as leadership.

“As we approach the Convention, I appeal to all of you to allow our interests to converge, our focus to remain on the changing dynamics of our environment, the expectations of our citizens and the global community. Our objective must be the victory of our party and our choice of candidate must be someone who would give the Nigerian masses a sense of victory and confidence even before the elections.” Mere platitudes, as usual.

Also Read: Kashim Shettima: Victory at the end

The president even emphasized the need to meet the expectations of the global community as if he had made any spirited attempts in his seven years in office to effectively leverage on the strategic position and immense human and natural resources of the country to make it a key global player.

With an intractable Islamist rebellion and armed Fulani herdsmen’s expansionism going on almost unabated, the Buhari administration has consistently shown the international community that it lacks the moral courage and political will to put a stop to these and other forms of bloody criminality that have become the order of the day all over the country. As a result, most of the global community has now adopted a stand-and-watch attitude towards Nigeria as it goes about its half-hearted motions of battling insecurity.

It is a continuation of this that the president wants the APC to allow him perpetuate by choosing a northern candidate to succeed him. No doubt, the feeling that he wants to impose a northern candidate on the APC has caused great disquite in the ranks of the party and frayed a lot of nerves. Apparently, now that it suits their whims, power shift and zoning may as well go to the dogs. But once upon a time, in fact only about eight years ago, Buhari and the core north tightly held on to these principles with religious zeal and threatened to upset the political apple cart if they were not strictly upheld. And they had their way because good reason prevailed.

The outbursts of the National Leader of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on June 2, 2022, at Abeokuta, Ogun State, clearly underscored this growing tension, dissatisfaction and suspicion both within the APC and the polity generally, considering the fact that it is this political party that is in charge of running the affairs of the country.

In obvious response to Buhari’s shinanigans, an apparently frustrated Tinubu declared: “If not me that led the war front, Buhari wouldn’t have emerged. He contested first, second and third times, but lost. He even said on television that he won’t contest again.

“But I went to his home in Katsina. I told him you would contest and win, but you won’t joke with the matters of the Yorubas. Since he has emerged, I have not been appointed minister. I didn’t get contract. This time, it’s Yoruba turn and in Yorubaland, it’s my tenure.”

In the last few days, there have been strong indications that the president may very likely cave in to pressure from the cabal in the Presidency, chiefly made up of his relatives and a few high-ranking officials in his government, and select between the Senate President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan (an ultra-conservative core northerner) and former Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Yarima (the man who first introduced Sharia as state law while he was governor) as the APC’s consensus presidential candidate. Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anger must have been fueled by these widespread speculations which are gradually gaining traction.

But in a swift response, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir David Lawan, lashed out at Tinubu’s grandstanding, describing it as ‘bulshit’ (sic). Now, it’s significant to note that this is coming from a man who is one of Tinubu’s closest political allies. In fact, he was among the heavyweights that purchased the APC Presidential nomination form for Tinubu and has been a leading force in his campaign to be President in 2023.

But Lawan, a self-professed northerner, appears to have sided with the core north and Mr. Buhari against his political ally. And his vituperations would further reveal the deep-seated suspicion the core north has harboured against the Yoruba, spanning decades. VANGUARD newspaper quoted him as saying: “Sometimes it is very difficult to support a Yoruba person in national politics if you are not one.

“They have a way of making you regret your support because they eventually make you seem like a traitor to your own people. Now all these comments about Bola’s Yoruba presidency and his support of Buhari without which Buhari would not have been President is bulshit.”

He pointed out that there were many other Nigerians from other parts of the country who also contributed in making Mr. Buhari President but were “not bragging about it” and expressed regret that “You may wish to know that all of us Buhari supporters are shocked and pissed off by Bola’s speech on this occasion. It is unlike him.

“And this speech is massively trending in the North and being given a negative connotation as you can well imagine. I first read it this morning on an Adamawa group platform and the anger is palpable and all round.”

Certainly, the fact that Buhari wishes to single-handedly select the APC Presidential candidate is creating big cracks in the APC as old comrades tear each other to shreds, egged on by their deep ethnic and regional cleavages. These have now been exposed by the stress of this brutal struggle for the APC Presidential ticket. But Babachir Lawan is not yet done. He must remind the Yoruba and other Nigerians about one of Bola Tinubu’s tribesmen whose stars, he believes, were dimmed by similar attitudes.

“This appears to be the Abiola saga,” he said, “being replayed. Abiola won the election with majority Northern votes but they took the brunt of the post-election protests that followed.

“Just survey all the people that are doing more meaningful practical things to enthron (sic) Bola as President and you will find that almost all are northerners while his kinsmen engage themselves in social media activism and Northern bashing.

“When Yorubas vilify the North like this, our sense of fear and insecurity under a Yoruba presidency gets heightened and in the end, pushes us to re-think our support for not only Bola but any Yoruba as President for that matter.”

But he concluded on this rather conciliatory note: “Please, do not join our opponents to destroy our chances of clinching Monday’s primary elections.”

Nevertheless, Buhari’s consensus candidate gambit has already done irreparable damage to the APC. It can only get worse and may well be the last straw that will break this camel’s back. Buhari is taking a dangerous shot in the dark.

He is blindly groping in the dark, like he has done with the destiny of Nigerians and their motherland in the last seven years, with these catastrophic consequences. In this highly risky blind man’s buff game he is playing, the odds are dangerously high. He may just lay his hands on the wrong person. And things will definitely fall apart.

(GYANG is the Chairman of the N.G.O, Journalists Coalition for Citizens’ Rights Initiative – JCCRI. Visit our website: https://jccri-online.org. Follow us on our Twitter handle: @jccri1. Facebook

page: facebook.com/jccrionline. Emails: info@jccrionline.org; chrisgyang01@gmail.com)

BUHARI’S CONSENSUS CANDIDATE: THE BLIND MAN’S BUFF

Politics

2027: There Is a Shift in Northern Support Towards Tinubu and Shettima

Published

6 days ago

September 9, 2025

News Net Global

Tinubu and Shettima

2027: There Is a Shift in Northern Support Towards Tinubu and Shettima

By: Dr. James Bwala

Recently, the evolving political dynamics in Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election reveal a significant shift in support towards President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. This change challenges earlier apprehensions surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket, which faced considerable criticism in 2023 for potentially alienating key Christian constituencies within the North-Central and Middle Belt regions. Contrary to these concerns, influential political groups such as the North-Central APC Forum have expressed robust backing for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, citing sustained regional support driven by strategic appointments of prominent Christian leaders and tangible governance achievements.

I recalled sitting in the congregation on a Sunday morning earlier this year and listening to the preacher. His words struck me with the assurance of faith in the APC administration. It solidifies my continuous advocacy that Nigeria is on the path of the renewed hope promised by the Tinubu and Shettima administration. The charges on the direction this administration is taking and what they were able to achieve further strengthen my appeal for confidence that, like never before in the history of this great country, we have found leaders who are truly committed to bringing back our long-lost hope by the renewal initiative the Tinubu and Kashim Shettima leadership is taking to every doorstepacross Nigeria. A hope—long lost in leadership—is found here with Tinubu and Shettima.

He spoke also on the lingering political questions between the president and his vice, describing the permutations around the rift within the first and second families and predictions by certain classes and groups as evil seeds, which can never come to pass. This has come true with the message of goodwill from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Vice President Kashim Shettima during the celebration of his 59th birthday. Indeed, the silence that greeted those hoping to see Kashim Shettima replaced confirms the preacher’s testament. The retention of Shettima as running mate is seen not only as a continuation of a winning formula but also as a critical factor in consolidating northern votes estimated to reach up to 90% in certain areas. Indeed, the endorsements from coalitions like the Northern Progressives Coalition underscore an emerging consensus that transcends previous religious and ethnic fault lines, suggesting a recalibration of political allegiances based on performance and perceived stability.

This transition is primarily influenced by several factors, including the performance of previous leaders, regional interests, and the appeal of Tinubu and Shettima as candidates. The North has historically been a vital political bloc in Nigeria. Its immense population translates to significant voting power. Despite the appeal by the coalition leaders, the dissatisfaction of northern voters with candidates like Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, and Peter Obi has been growing. Atiku, a veteran politician, has repeatedly contested for the presidency without achieving success. Many in the North may feel fatigued by his long political career and perceive a lack of fresh ideas or strategies to solve pressing issues.

On the other hand, El-Rufai, despite his role as the Governor of Kaduna State, is often criticized for his handling of security challenges in the region. The North has faced a surge in violence, kidnappings, and terrorism over the years, and some citizens believe el-Rufai’s policies were inadequate. Consequently, confidence in him has diminished as voters seek more reliable leadership in times of crisis.For Mr. Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, he gained popularity due to his focus on education and economic reforms. However, his appeal may not resonate as strongly in the North, where issues such as security and religious sentiments are of greater concern. As people evaluate their choices, they may prioritize candidates who can address these critical issues effectively.

Whether the opposition agrees or not, those who have been following development in Nigeria know that President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima present a promising alternative for Northern voters. Both have established political careers. Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, is known for his influential political machinery and his ability to build alliances across parties. Shettima, his running mate, has been involved in addressing the Boko Haram insurgency during his tenure as governor of Borno State. Their combined experience appeals to voters who are weary of ineffective leadership and are looking for pragmatic solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.

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The regional loyalty also plays a crucial role in the upcoming elections. The North may feel inclined to support candidates who are capable of uniting Nigeria. Tinubu and Shettima’s collaborative approach could foster a sense of national cohesion, further solidifying their candidacy in the hearts of Northern voters. As the political landscape evolves in preparation for the 2027 elections, Tinubu and Shettima’s experience, strategies, and ability to address pressing concerns, as shown by their leadership styles, position them as formidable candidates, likely to gain substantial support from the North in the upcoming elections.

While the political trajectory of Nigeria’s presidency under Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima suggests a continued consolidation of power leading into the 2027 election. Observers and party insiders alike have expressed confidence that the duo will secure victory with a significantly wider margin than in the 2023 polls. This assertion is grounded in several factors, including Tinubu’s strategic governance approach, Shettima’s regional appeal, and their combined ability to maintain a broad coalition across Nigeria’s diverse electorate.

Despite initial controversies surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket, which some analysts feared could alienate key voter blocs, the administration has demonstrated inclusiveness and political dexterity that mitigate such concerns. The careful selection of Shettima as vice president was not only a move to balance regional interests but also to strengthen party unity and electoral prospects. Indeed, internal party structures such as those advocated by influential groups like the North-Central APC Forum highlight strong grassroots support for retaining this ticket, emphasizing their proven effectiveness in mobilizing voters across critical regions.

*James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

2027: There Is a Shift in Northern Support Towards Tinubu and Shettima

Politics

Shettima’s 59th Birthday: President Tinubu’s Stand Against Calls for Replacement

Published

1 week ago

September 5, 2025

News Net Global

VP kashim Shettima

Shettima’s 59th Birthday: President Tinubu’s Stand Against Calls for Replacement

Dr. James Bwala

On September 2, 2025, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima celebrated his 59th birthday amidst much public discussion about his political future. Until now, there have been murmurs from certain groups, including political analysts, critics, and so-called prophets, suggesting that Shettima should be replaced. This narrative has sparked significant debate across the country, especially in light of the ongoing economic challenges and security issues Nigeria faces. However, President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering support for Shettima on this special occasion silenced many of those voices, showcasing a united front within the Nigerian government.

The president’s decision to publicly praise Vice President Kashim Shettima on the occasion of his birthday highlighted their strong political alliance and friendship. While he described Vice President Shettima as a dedicated leader and a loyal partner in governance, he effectively countered the claims made by those hoping to see Shettima replaced. This celebration was not just a personal milestone for the vice president but also a political statement, affirming that the current administration stands firm against any factions that might want to disrupt their unity.

The so-called “cabal”—a term often used to describe a group of influential individuals within Nigerian politics—has faced significant scrutiny in recent years. Critics suggest that these individuals try to influence political decisions behind the scenes. However, by publicly supporting Shettima, President Tinubu demonstrates his refusal to allow the cabal’s influence to dictate the direction of his administration. This move is a clear signal to both his supporters and detractors that he is confident in his choices.

Attention also focused on so-called prophets and doomsayers who predicted the vice president’s imminent replacement. These individuals often use social media and public forums to express their predictions, which can create uncertainty. Yet, Tinubu’s positive acknowledgment of Shettima defied these narratives, illustrating that the government is not swayed by speculative concerns or negative forecasts.

READ ALSO:https://newsng.ng/vp-kashim-shettima-the-strengths-of-experience-at-59/

Shettima’s 59th birthday became a pivotal moment in Nigerian politics, emphasizing unity and resilience within the current administration. President Tinubu’s support for the vice president serves not only to repel calls for Shettima’s replacement but also to reinforce the notion that stability is vital for Nigeria’s progress. This reflection of solidarity is crucial as the country navigates various challenges, showing that collaboration and loyalty are key ingredients in leadership.

The move by President Tinubu on this occasion reminds citizens that the political landscape is influenced not just by predictions but also by the strength of leaders working together for the common good. The political climate in many countries has shown how leadership can shape the future. Political predictions often forecast outcomes based on past trends, statistics, and public sentiment. While these predictions can serve as guidelines, they do not always capture the essence of what will actually happen. Instead, the true power lies in the ability of leaders to come together, set aside differences, and work toward shared goals.

President Tinubu’s latest initiatives illustrate this point. By assembling a diverse group of leaders from various backgrounds, he demonstrates that collective efforts can lead to better decision-making and more substantial outcomes for citizens.

An excellent example of unified leadership is seen in the responses to major challenges, such as economic downturns or public health crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders around the world had to collaborate to share resources, information, and strategies. Countries that exemplified unity, like New Zealand, achieved better health outcomes and maintained public trust. Similarly, President Tinubu, by working closely with other political figures and community leaders, can build a resilient framework that helps Nigeria navigate its challenges.

When leaders display teamwork and solidarity, it inspires citizens to unite as well and develop such public trust and confidence in the government, which often hinges on the perceived integrity and cooperative nature of its leaders. If citizens see their leaders working towards common objectives, they are more likely to engage positively with political processes. Indeed, collaborative leadership fosters innovation. When leaders from different political parties or sectors come together, they bring diverse perspectives and ideas. This exchange can lead to creative solutions for longstanding issues, such as poverty, education, and infrastructure. President Tinubu’s administration has the potential to tap into this resource, maximizing the benefits of a collaborative approach.

The political landscape is not merely shaped by forecasts but significantly influenced by the cooperation of leaders aiming for the common good. This is exactly what the Jagaban did and presented a reminder of the power of unity in leadership. By promoting collaboration, leaders can tackle challenges effectively while inspiring their citizens to contribute to a better society. This approach will ultimately lead to positive changes and a brighter future for all come 2027.

James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja

Shettima’s 59th Birthday: President Tinubu’s Stand Against Calls for Replacement

Politics

VP Kashim Shettima: The Strengths of Experience at 59.

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2025

News Net Global

Vice President Kashim Shettima

VP Kashim Shettima: The Strengths of Experience at 59.

Dr. James Bwala

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s extensive experience has enriched his political aptitude, enhanced his approaches to governance, and fostered his effectiveness in contributing to policy implementation in Nigeria. At the age of 59, VP Shettima’s career portfolio showcases an array of political, economic, and social acumen, positioning him as a formidable leader in a nation grappling with multifaceted challenges and experience. Today, in the contemporary landscape of Nigerian politics, where the interplay of youth and experience often shapes leadership dynamics, Vice President Kashim Shettima stands as a significant figure embodying the strengths of experience.

Your Excellency, your political career spans over two decades and showcases a wealth of experience from a leader that is crucial for effective leadership. Beginning as an Honourable Commissioner and later serving as the Governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019, Shettima has navigated the complexities of governance in one of Nigeria’s most challenging regions. As governor of Borno State at a time that coincided with the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, he developed pragmatic solutions under duress. This tumultuous period not only honed his crisis management skills but also solidified his understanding of security, a critical issue in Nigeria today.

Indeed, your ability to govern effectively in times of crisis underscores the value of experience, particularly when addressing issues that require nuanced understanding and decisive action. I can say this on the rooftop for whosoever cares to hear that VP Shettima’s experience extends beyond mere political maneuvering; it encompasses a profound comprehension of socio-economic policies essential for national development.

Shettima initiated programs aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, revitalizing education, and promoting agricultural sustainability, key sectors essential for Nigeria’s growth, when he was governor of Borno state. These initiatives not only demonstrate his capacity for long-term planning but also highlight an understanding of the interdependencies between security, economic stability, and social well-being. He became the envy of his predecessor, a reason that still reels out passion on the screen. When many leaders are quick to react without considering broader implications, Shettima’s approach exemplifies a strategy rooted in experiential learning and adaptive governance.

Another critical strength derived from Shettima’s extensive experience is his capacity to forge alliances and cultivate relationships across diverse political spectrums. Political landscapes are often fraught with partisan divisions, and a leader who can navigate these waters is invaluable. Shettima’s ability to build coalitions is evidenced by his role in various regional and national dialogues aimed at fostering peace and collaboration among differing factions. Even haters mocked themselves when it came to feeding his reactions. Such diplomacy is increasingly vital in Nigeria, where ethnic, religious, and cultural divides can threaten national unity.

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, is an example of how seasoned leaders can bridge gaps and foster collaboration, contributing to a more cohesive governance structure. His experience provides him with a historical context that is often lacking in some personalities, who claim to be leaders. Understanding the past is essential for informed decision-making and policy formulation. Leaders well-versed in historical injustices, socio-economic disparities, and regional dynamics are better equipped to enact legislation that addresses systemic issues rather than mere symptoms. Shettima’s insights into the roots of poverty, unemployment, and disenfranchisement allow him to champion policies that are both relevant and forward-thinking.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/president-tinubu-to-vp-shettima-at-59our-relationship-transcends-official-duties-it-is-a-bridge-across-regions-and-traditions-united-in-purpose-and-service/

His ability to read many books built the exposure to various leadership roles. This has endowed him with a comprehensive understanding of the bureaucracy and institutional frameworks necessary for effective governance. While as Commissioner in Borno State and as Governor, Shettima was familiar with the complexities of public administration—an advantage that some leaders may overlook or underestimate. He remains a leader who comprehends the intricacies of state machinery and can better navigate bureaucratic challenges, ensuring that policies are not only created but also effectively implemented. This ability is particularly important in Nigeria, where inefficient bureaucracies often stifle progress and frustrate the citizenry. In this, Shettima stands better and ahead of critics.

Indeed, critics of experience-centered leadership may argue that it can lead to stagnation and an inability to adapt to new ideas, especially in a rapidly changing technological and social landscape. However, Shettima’s track record counters this notion. The vice president has demonstrated a willingness to embrace innovation while leveraging traditional methods. For instance, during his governorship, he introduced technology-based solutions to enhance educational outcomes and agricultural productivity, showcasing a harmonious integration of experience and innovation. This demonstrates that experience does not equate to inflexibility; rather, it can facilitate a more informed approach to embracing change.

As Nigeria continues to confront persistent challenges, the need for experienced leadership becomes ever more critical. Your robust background equips you to address these issues effectively, employing lessons learned from previous successes and failures. Your Excellency, your experience positions you uniquely as a leader who can navigate the nuanced terrain of Nigerian politics, making informed decisions that prioritize the nation’s long-term interests over transient gains.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Vice President, Kashim Shettima, my leader and brother. Your 59 years of life experience serve as a cornerstone of your leadership effectiveness. And of course, your extensive political career, coupled with your adeptness in crisis management, socio-economic policy formulation, and coalition-building, illustrates that experience is not merely beneficial but essential in navigating Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape.

As Nigeria seeks to overcome its challenges, Vice President Kashim Shettima embodies a model of leadership that is informed by experience, capable of fostering unity, and committed to implementing effective governance strategies. Embracing such seasoned leadership is imperative for a nation striving for progress and sustainability in an ever-evolving world.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

VP Kashim Shettima: The Strengths of Experience at 59.