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Elections Are Not Magic Shows

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Elections Are Not Magic Shows

Elections Are Not Magic Shows

By: Senator Kashim Shettima

Being my acceptance speech on being chosen as the running mate of the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the 2023 Presidential Elections in Abuja, Nigeria, on July 12, 2022. 

Protocols:

My first duty, is to first of all acknowledge the position that His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari occupies, in the remarkable history of our great party, the APC; as well as the role he has played, in the history of our dear country, Nigeria. 

Secondly, I must also firmly underscore the remarkable political journey of our leader, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His incredible vision and strength of character, have helped us to the point where our party evolved to, as the giant of the Nigerian political scene. 

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, we are lucky indeed, to be standing on the shoulders of these two remarkable political titans.

There’s no weight I carry very carefully, as much as the burden of trust, and learning from public servants, who never take the expectations of the public, for granted. I’m standing here today because of the benign testaments of those who believe in me—those who crawled so that some of us could walk, and those who walked, for others to run. 

The successes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the past two presidential elections, were not magic shows. They were rewards for our foresighted, and pragmatic decisions, to sacrifice our personal interests and sectional sentiments, for the overriding prospects of our Great Party. We are again on the cusp of history, and left with no option, other than collaborating assiduously again,  to pursue the collective interest of APC’s stakeholders, across ethnic, religious, and regional stations.

Having led us through two successful elections, and resisted the bait to impose a successor, President Muhammadu Buhari remains the man of the season; a leader who must be remembered, for passing the torch to the choice of the party’s majority, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 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 youths all over our country, fondly refer to as “City Boy”, in honour of his cosmopolitan profile.

Our public-spirited Progressive Governors, have also demonstrated why they are the backbone of the party. There can’t be enough words to quantify their sacrifices; we acknowledge the fact, that they are responsible for this spectacular structure, that offers us a palpable electoral advantage, over our opponents. Whatever supremacy we attribute to the APC, is owed to the commitment of our Progressive Governors. Like most of us, they submitted to the supreme interests of the Party, to guarantee our success in the forthcoming elections, and the immensity of these sacrifices, calibrates their wisdom and sensitivity, to the myriad of opponents we are going to face, in 2023. I’m here today, because of their wisdom; and I’m therefore grateful, for their perception of the task ahead, as one that can only be executed, through meticulous collaboration, across board.

Today, I must also testify 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 take the past as our finest teacher, one never to be taken for granted. This would guide our staring into tomorrow. I’m not unaware of the difficult political arithmetic that produced this moment, especially the understanding of our great Party’s stakeholders and supporters, across religions, regions, and ethnicities. Their resolve to settle for this ticket, is a testament to the faith they have in us.

This ticket isn’t an imposition; it’s an outcome of democracy at its practical best, and based on the aggregation of the ideas and insights, of our great party’s stakeholders. If this were an unpopular option, as the cast of partisan provocateurs has attempted to paint, there wouldn’t have been the tonnes of goodwill messages, especially from distinguished Christians, from all over the country. This ticket is a Nigerian project, not a sectional agenda, that the frightened camps have been struggling to sensationalize. 

 I’m sincerely proud of the rational citizens, who view this, as nothing but 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.  

About thirty years ago, Nigerians from both sides of the Niger, came together to market the ideals of a ticket like ours. They overlooked the pedestrian attempts to politicize the religious affiliations of the presidential candidate and running mate, and yielded to the message of hope; and the manifesto of prosperity promised them. The MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe ticket, defied the stereotype of Nigerians, as hopelessly sectional, and incapable of prioritizing reason over sentiments. That ticket, even though it was opposed by the same agents that doubted its success, has remained the best moment, of our various experiments with democracy, so far.

Also Read: 2023: Why Kashim Shettima will bring massive votes than Any Presidential Running…

This reincarnation of the 30-year-old hope that produced the late MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe, came at a time the country is being pushed to the edge of anarchy, by conflict entrepreneurs, in gaudy suits and babanriga. But the overwhelming endorsement of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, at the APC presidential primaries, by aspirants from the very groups predicted to reject him; and his subsequent election by delegates from the same groups, is a clear message, that Nigerians are beyond the stereotypes of those desperate to tear the people apart.

The goodwill messages that have poured in, since the announcement of my selection, as running mate, to the high-performing Jagaban Borgu, easily underscore the depth of hope that our people are investing, in the ticket.  And I do not doubt that the amplitude of this love, across the country,  from Abia through to Zamfara, is an assurance that Nigerians are again prepared to choose the competence of their unifying representatives,  over any expression of  primordial sentiments.

We all witnessed the decisive blows dealt the bigotry dispensed by a hopeless minority, ahead of the APC presidential primaries, last June. The futility of their propaganda, showed that Nigerians aren’t the unthinking robots some are quick to call them. Nigerians are rational beings,  with the capability to tell an invidious agenda apart, from sincere concern for them. They are not the uncritical consumers of clickbait and falsehoods, as some of us think they are. They see through the bigots, masquerading as patriots and, very importantly, they know those who represent their interests, even in the quietest and darkest of meeting rooms.

I’m immensely grateful to our great Party, the All Progressives Congress, and it’s perceptive stakeholders who consulted widely, in the painstaking bid, to choose Asiwaju’s running mate, for the 2023 elections. I’m grateful for this opportunity to be a part of this history, to deliver Nigeria to a future defined by fast-evolving technologies, that will  propel us towards guaranteed national security, economic boom, youth engagement,  mass employment, high-quality education, and, of course, uncompromising national cohesion.

I want to assure our teeming supporters that, in the coming days, we will be rolling out our plans for a greater Nigeria, and pointing towards the bright  future that we envisage; and away from the destination of those with nothing, but mudslinging to market, as the reason they deserve to be elected. Such hollow strategies shouldn’t be the ideals of a nation, yearning for an experienced and documented visionary, like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the wheels.

We will work with commitment for all Nigerians, especially the youths, who represent the overwhelming majority of our population today. They represent our present and future. We give a firm assurance, that no discrimination of any form will arise,  from this patriotic alliance for the deepening of Nigeria’s democracy. 

Thank you very much for your attention.

Elections Are Not Magic Shows

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Rhetoric of Vice President Kashim Shettima: Speaks of Courage and Shaping History in President Tinubu’s Leadership

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Vice President Kashim Shettima

Rhetoric of Vice President Kashim Shettima: Speaks of Courage and Shaping History in President Tinubu’s Leadership

By: Dr. James Bwala

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s rhetoric surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s leadership underscores a narrative of courage and historical significance. Shettima consistently portrays Tinubu as a bold and decisive leader who confronts Nigeria’s most pressing challenges head-on, particularly in economic reforms like the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate realignment. He constantly emphasized that Tinubu is “taking the bullets” avoided by his predecessors; Shettima situates the president as a transformative figure whose decisions are not merely administrative but foundational acts shaping Nigeria’s future governance.

Shettima’s discourse highlights the interplay between courage and legacy. He suggests that Tinubu’s willingness to make unpopular yet necessary choices reflects a leadership style committed to long-term national benefit rather than short-term approval. This framing aligns with academic understandings of political rhetoric that seek to legitimize authority through appeals to sacrifice and historical destiny. In this light, Shettima positions Tinubu not only as a current leader but as an architect of history whose actions will ease burdens for future administrations.

Vice President Kashim Shettima often employs rhetoric that celebrates President Tinubu’s courage while emphasizing his role in shaping Nigerian history. By framing difficult policy decisions as acts of bravery and rewriting past leadership failures, Shettima constructs a compelling narrative that elevates Tinubu’s presidency within the nation’s political discourse. This rhetorical strategy serves both to defend contentious reforms and inspire confidence in ongoing governmental efforts toward sustainable development. Such rhetoric not only bolsters Tinubu’s image as a valiant leader but also sets the stage for a narrative where current sacrifices are deemed necessary investments for the nation’s prosperous future. 

This narrative not only fortifies Tinubu’s legacy but also seeks to galvanize public support for current and future reforms by framing them as essential steps toward a more resilient and prosperous Nigeria. By portraying Tinubu as a leader who tackles challenges head-on, Shettima not only seeks to enhance public trust but also attempts to foster a collective sense of purpose and resilience among Nigerians. 

Framing Tinubu’s leadership as a courageous endeavor that confronts and overcomes obstacles head-on, Shettima not only reinforces a narrative of resilience but also positions Nigeria on a trajectory toward transformative growth and stability. This portrayal of Tinubu as a transformative figure is further reinforced by Shettima’s framing of his leadership decisions as not merely necessary responses to immediate crises but as strategic moves designed to secure Nigeria’s long-term prosperity and stability. Drawing on the historical context and illustrating Tinubu’s actions as pivotal moments of courage, Shettima underscores the idea that these strategic choices are not just about immediate gains but about crafting a legacy that future generations will look back on with respect and gratitude. 

In this light, Shettima’s rhetoric not only elevates Tinubu’s actions as emblematic of courageous leadership but also aims to cement his legacy as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s history. While emphasizing these transformative policies, Shettima not only paints a picture of Tinubu’s bravery in addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues but also frames these actions as essential steps in the nation’s journey towards sustainable development. His rhetoric consistently underscores the notion that Tinubu’s leadership is not only about immediate gains but also about ensuring a more resilient and prosperous future for Nigeria. 

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s rhetoric underscores this vision, portraying President Tinubu as a leader who is unafraid to confront the nation’s most pressing challenges head-on, thereby setting a precedent for future governance. By highlighting Tinubu’s willingness to make the difficult decisions that previous administrations had sidestepped, Shettima positions him as a trailblazer in Nigerian politics, not just as a leader of his time but as a transformative figure whose decisions echo through the annals of history. His speeches, often delivered with a fervor that matches the gravity of the challenges at hand, serve to rally both the government and citizens around a shared vision of progress and resilience. His words resonate with a sense of urgency and responsibility, suggesting that the bold initiatives undertaken by Tinubu are not merely political maneuvers but foundational shifts designed to safeguard the nation’s future. 

His rhetoric, therefore, not only celebrates Tinubu’s decisive actions but also frames them as pivotal moments in Nigeria’s political narrative, reinforcing the idea that true leadership is defined by the courage to act when others hesitate. Such rhetoric not only aims to inspire confidence in current governmental strategies but also to cultivate a legacy of courageous leadership that future generations can emulate. His articulation of these themes is bolstered by the tangible outcomes of Tinubu’s policies, which have already begun to reshape the economic landscape, demonstrating the real-world impact of courageous governance. 

As Shettima eloquently underscores, Tinubu’s leadership is not just about immediate gains but about laying the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future. In this context, Shettima’s rhetoric serves as both a testament to and a catalyst for the transformative impact of Tinubu’s leadership, illustrating how bold decisions today can redefine tomorrow’s possibilities. His consistent emphasis on the necessity of these decisions, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the stabilization of the forex market, underscores a commitment to long-term national interests over short-term political gains. 

Indeed, confronting these entrenched challenges head-on, Shettima argues, Tinubu is not only rewriting history but also providing a blueprint for future governance that prioritizes resilience and adaptability. His rhetoric, therefore, not only celebrates the present administration’s accomplishments but also serves as a clarion call for future leaders to embrace similarly bold and forward-thinking approaches.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

Rhetoric of Vice President Kashim Shettima: Speaks of Courage and Shaping History in President Tinubu’s Leadership

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Shettima Welcomes Akwa Ibom Governor to APC, Says Tinubu Is a Bridge-Builder

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Shettima Welcomes Akwa Ibom Governor to APC, Says Tinubu Is a Bridge-Builder

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a decision he will never regret.

Speaking on Saturday in Uyo during a grand reception held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Shettima said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally sent a message to the governor, assuring him that the APC would be home to him and his supporters.

“This party is your home. You will not be humiliated. You will not be forsaken,” Shettima declared. “Mr. President asked me to assure you personally—no one will question your place here.”

Describing Tinubu as a “bridge-builder” and “deep-rooted democrat,” the Vice President praised the president’s enduring commitment to democratic values, recalling how he stood firm during challenging political periods in Nigeria’s history.

“Few figures in our national history have given as much and demanded so little in return,” Shettima said, referencing Tinubu’s past political sacrifices.

The Vice President noted that the APC is not a party driven by media hype but by vision, merit, and loyalty. “We are not just a political platform; we are a movement,” he added.

In his remarks, Governor Umo Eno said he joined the APC to align with the Tinubu-led administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and fast-track the realization of key infrastructural projects, including the long-delayed Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom.

“My progressive state movement is predicated on enlightened state interest—to support Mr. President’s bold and audacious reforms,” the governor said.

APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, welcomed the governor and his supporters, hailing the massive turnout as a demonstration of public trust in the APC.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the significance of the governor’s defection, describing it not as just a political move but as a full-fledged “movement.” He assured Akwa Ibom citizens of the federal government’s support for development projects in the state.

Other notable speakers included Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, who commended Governor Eno’s decision, and Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, who declared the South-South zone’s full alignment with the federal government.

The event climaxed with the presentation of the APC flag and broom to Governor Eno, symbolizing his official welcome into the party and reaffirming the APC’s stance as a vehicle of national progress.

Shettima Welcomes Akwa Ibom Governor to APC, Says Tinubu Is a Bridge-Builder

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2027: The frontline formation of the Nigeria Coalition Alliance Against Tinubu and Kashim Shettima was built on weak concrete

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2027: The frontline formation of the Nigeria Coalition Alliance Against Tinubu and Kashim Shettima was built on weak concrete.

2027: The frontline formation of the Nigeria Coalition Alliance Against Tinubu and Kashim Shettima was built on weak concrete

Dr. James Bwala

The 2027 formation of the Nigeria Coalition Alliance against the Tinubu-Shettima ticket marks a significant moment in Nigerian political history. This coalition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governor of Rivers and Minister Rotimi Ameachi, former governor of Osun State and Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, former Senate President David Mark, former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, and former governor of Kaduna State Malam Nasiru El-rufai, remains ambitious in its aim to challenge the prevailing political dominance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. However, the coalition is fundamentally built on weak concrete, characterized by fragile alliances and ideological inconsistencies. 

The diverse nature of the coalition members, drawn from various ethnic and political backgrounds, undermines its unity and coherence. Without a shared vision or strong institutional framework, sustaining such an alliance becomes precarious. The coalition’s strategy appears reactionary rather than visionary, focusing primarily on opposition rather than offering a compelling alternative policy agenda. This reactive posture diminishes its credibility among voters seeking substantive governance solutions. Additionally, internal power struggles and a lack of clear leadership threaten to fragment the alliance before it can effectively mobilize support. While the Nigeria Coalition Alliance represents a critical attempt to reshape political dynamics in 2027, its weak foundations cast doubt on its potential for lasting impact against established figures like Tinubu and Shettima. The coalition’s inability to effectively address these internal challenges may ultimately lead to its unraveling, leaving the political landscape unchanged and allowing the status quo to persist without meaningful opposition. 

To strengthen its position, the alliance must urgently address these structural weaknesses by fostering genuine collaboration and articulating a cohesive vision that resonates with the electorate. Only then can it hope to transform from a fragile assemblage into a formidable political force capable of challenging the entrenched power structures. Moreover, building trust among the coalition’s diverse factions is essential to overcoming the entrenched skepticism that currently hinders its progress. This trust-building effort requires transparent communication and shared decision-making processes that empower all coalition members, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued.

READ ALSO:https://newsng.ng/the-plight-of-farida/

The leadership from each geopolitical zone or region has a debt to pay with the electorates following their lack of engagement with the grassroots until now and for the same selfish ambitions that have grounded them politically in the zone they each represent. However, when the dues are fully paid, engaging with grassroots movements and civil society organizations can provide the alliance with a broader base of support and legitimacy, helping to bridge the gap between political elites and ordinary citizens. 

Prioritizing these strategies, the Nigeria Coalition Alliance can reinforce its foundation and better position itself to challenge the status quo in the upcoming elections. However, it lacks the immediate and decisive action to implement these strategies, and without these, the alliance risks remaining a mere footnote in Nigeria’s political history rather than a transformative force for change. Do we see them trying to avoid this fate? A BIG “NO.” The pace at which the Tinubu and Kashim Shettima unveiling purposes in leadership is taking its ground across these political zones defines the coalition. If they are to make impacts, they must act swiftly to address internal divisions and present a unified front that can inspire confidence and rally widespread support across the nation. This requires cultivating a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but actively sought out to strengthen the coalition’s resolve and purpose. But this too did not seem to be in place, and they unfolded and fell over themselves in this wild drunkenness.

The coalition must establish clear and transparent communication channels to build trust among its members and the broader electorate. It is imperative that the alliance prioritize the development of a coherent policy agenda that resonates with the aspirations and needs of the Nigerian populace. By doing so, the coalition can effectively counteract any attempts by Tinubu and Shettima to undermine its unity and objectives. But these too are lacking in their formation, leaving the old gaps that continued to exist within the political opposition Nigeria has had to make do with since independence.

Additionally, fostering inclusivity and ensuring that all voices within the coalition are heard will be crucial in maintaining solidarity and preventing internal divisions. This will require a concerted effort to establish transparent communication channels and equitable decision-making processes that reflect the diverse interests of its members. This lack of cohesion has led to internal disagreements, weakening the alliance’s ability to present a united front against Tinubu and Shettima. To overcome these challenges, the coalition must engage in strategic planning sessions that focus on identifying common goals and crafting a shared vision for Nigeria’s future. Only by addressing these foundational weaknesses can the coalition hope to transform its fragile framework into a robust and enduring force capable of challenging the entrenched political dynamics.

Politics is not about throwing stones at leaders; the coalition lacks the right investment in grassroots mobilization to galvanize public support and increase its influence across different regions of Nigeria. Strengthening its grassroots presence will not only broaden the coalition’s outreach but also empower local communities to actively participate in shaping the political landscape. By prioritizing grassroots engagement, the coalition can tap into the collective power of the populace, ensuring that its platform is both representative and responsive to the everyday realities faced by Nigerians. 

This grassroots strategy will also serve to build trust and legitimacy, crucial elements for sustaining momentum and countering the entrenched power structures that Tinubu and Shettima represent. However, without addressing the internal power struggles and fostering a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect among its leaders, the coalition risks perpetuating the very divisions it seeks to dismantle. To this end, fostering open communication and transparency within the coalition’s leadership will be essential in mitigating conflicts and unifying its diverse factions. Building a cohesive leadership team that is committed to these principles will be paramount in maintaining unity and focus as the coalition navigates the complex political terrain ahead. 

James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

2027: The frontline formation of the Nigeria Coalition Alliance Against Tinubu and Kashim Shettima was built on weak concrete

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