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LIKE THE COCK DESTINED TO CROW: Kashim Shettima On My Mind.

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LIKE THE COCK DESTINED TO CROW: Kashim Shettima On My Mind.

LIKE THE COCK DESTINED TO CROW: Kashim Shettima On My Mind.

By: Inuwa Bwala

In a discussion amongst fellow commissioners some times in 2010, one of us said about Kashim Shettima, that, with the way he carried himself on assignments given to him, the young man could be anything in Borno and beyond.

That view was to  resonate some month later, when Shettima was named as the Governorship candidate of our party and went ahead to win the election in 2011.

Of course, not many people gave him a chance of returning for a second term, given what had became an open secret that his predecessor and mentor, did not want him to return. The moves to stall his return bid were obviously because of the enviable but  manifest traits of leadership noticed in Kashim Shettima, even as a first timer as Governor.

As an insider, I am aware of the so many booby traps, set up to undo the man, but how he scaled them and went ahead to takeover as the political godfather of Borno politics remains a mystery to me.

At the risk if sounding psychopathic, I concede to Shettima the fact that, he surpasses most of us his contemporaries, when it comes to scheming. Shettima is what one analyst called, “a shrewd contriver, a master schemer and a genius”.

His attainments as a leader of the revolutionary generation of politicians that dymistified the then political godfather, Ali Modu Sheriff, has remained one that places him higher amongst equals.

The God given vision in choosing and sticking to the candidature Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, as his successor is another attribute that makes Kashim Shettima the virtual political oracle in Borno State.

Being perhaps the youngest of the lot, Shettima defied hitherto held notions about the young, when he emerged the Chairman of the Northern Governor’s forum during his second tenure.

Also Read: Kashim Shettima: An epitomic genre from Borno

It is on record that, since he left, the forum has been in a virtual limbo and his tracks remain indelible, resulting to the clamour for him to take up higher responsibilities.

Whether it is palatable for him or not, his acts of benevolence of freeing Borno from the clutches of one man and the attendant nurturing of the current administration in Borno, viz- a- viz his recent expositions on the national scene leaves Kashim Shettima as the power behind the throne, and the people of Borno State owe him a measure of gratitude, for placing them on the national turf.

Nigeria is about to rewrite it’s history, with the 2023 elections by the corner. I believe that all those who have indicated interest and chosen or not chosen as potential President of this country, are eminently qualified. I will not therefore query their credentials.

But of all those who supported the candidates so far, I have not seen the type of fidelity to a particular cause or person, as Kashim Shettima has demonstrated towards Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,the candidate if the APC. I cannot speak about others, because I am of the APC.

If loyalty or demonstrable capabilities are  cardinal requisite of a would be partner, I feel Kashim Shettima’s past exploits places him in a very good position to be chosen by Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a running mate.

Those who talk of Muslim/ Muslim Ticket as an anathema could have their points, but politics and religion cannot mix or bring about useful combinations, that could bail the country now.

Nigeria is at a labyrinth and religious or tribal irredentist may not add any value to the quest for good leadership. There are precedents, and unless we accept that promoting sentiments above national interest could be counterproductive, the closer we may be getting to the cliff edge as a country.

Whatever may be, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s personal permutations, his best option remains a Shettima of vibrance, competence and loyalty than a a Judas clothed in ethnic or religious garb.

LIKE THE COCK DESTINED TO CROW: Kashim Shettima On My Mind.

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Adamawa North Senatorial seat: Gov. Fintiri pledges good representation

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Adamawa North Senatorial seat: Gov. Fintiri pledges good representation

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has formally accepted to contest the senatorial seat to represent Adamawa North under the platform of All Progressives Congress APC following clarion calls by stakeholders from the zone.

Fintiri formally accepted the call in Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State after serving two terms in office as the governor of the state.

“I accept the call in the name of Allah and since I didn’t fail you as the governor, I promised you that I will not fail you in the Senate”, Fintiri said.

He promised good representation at the senate and to attract people-oriented projects for the development of the zone.

Fintiri called on aspirants to understand that at the end of the primaries only one aspirant would emerge as candidate in various positions.

He called on them to accept the outcome of the primaries and to remain united for the victory of the party, other candidates and President Bola Tinubu.

Fintiri thanked and appreciated the support given to him and called on the youth not to allow themselves to be used by some politicians to destroy their future.

He also drummed support for President Tinubu and all candidates under the platform of APC for more dividends of democracy.
He pledged to canvas for votes to President Bola Tinubu to ensure his re-election in 2027 election.

According to him, it is now time for Nigerians to reap the benefit of the policies and programmes initiated by the Tinubu administration.

He added that the hardship faced by some people would soon be history as the gains of Tinubu’s reforms would secure better dividends of democracy for Nigerians.

In his remarks, Sen. Amos Yohana, who is currently on the seat expressed readiness to support Gov. Fintiri because of the calls by the stakeholders for Fintiri to replace him.

He also contributed the sum of N20 million for the purchase of the aspiration form for Fintiri.

Earlier in his address, Mr Sale Kingiri, one of the stakeholders disclosed that no fewer than 10, 000 people in the zone made a clarion call for Fintiri to contest for senate in view of his capacity.

He said having Fintiri in the Senate was a pride not only for the zone but the nation due to his sterling performance as the governor.

Gov. Fintiri also paid homage to the emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmadu.

Adamawa North Senatorial seat: Gov. Fintiri pledges good representation

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Borno APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Signal Early Political Realignment

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Borno APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Signal Early Political Realignment

By: Michael Mike

In a move that underscores early political positioning ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections, key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State have formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term in 2027.

The endorsement, announced during a high-level gathering at the Government House Multipurpose Hall in Maiduguri on Saturday, signals a consolidation of political support in one of the APC’s strongest northern bases. Party leaders, government officials, and influential grassroots mobilizers unanimously pledged to rally voters across the state to ensure the continuity of the Tinubu administration.

Addressing the stakeholders, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum described the endorsement as both a vote of confidence in the current administration and a strategic commitment to sustaining ongoing reforms. He emphasized that the Tinubu-Shettima leadership had demonstrated resolve in tackling Nigeria’s complex security and economic challenges.

According to Zulum, Borno State—long at the epicenter of insurgency—has witnessed renewed federal attention in security coordination, humanitarian interventions, and reconstruction efforts. He noted that continuity in leadership would be critical to consolidating these gains, particularly in the North-East where recovery from years of conflict remains fragile.

“The support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima is rooted in performance and trust,” Zulum said. “Borno has seen firsthand the impact of leadership that understands our realities and is committed to long-term stability.”

Borno’s Strategic Role in APC Politics

Borno State holds significant political weight within the APC, not only as a consistent electoral stronghold but also as the political base of Vice President Shettima, a former governor of the state. Since the party’s formation in 2013 and its landmark victory in the 2015 elections, Borno has remained central to APC’s dominance in the North-East.

The state’s political influence is further amplified by its frontline status in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. Years of conflict involving Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents have shaped national security policies and elevated Borno’s importance in federal decision-making. As a result, endorsements from the state often carry symbolic and strategic significance for national campaigns.

Political analysts view the early endorsement as part of a broader effort by APC stakeholders to stabilize internal party structures and project unity well ahead of the 2027 elections. It also reflects a growing trend of pre-election alignments aimed at discouraging intra-party rivalries and consolidating incumbency advantages.

Momentum Builds Toward 2027

Saturday’s declaration comes amid ongoing national debates over economic reforms, security challenges, and governance priorities under the Tinubu administration. While opposition parties are expected to intensify criticism in the coming years, the APC appears to be laying the groundwork for a coordinated re-election campaign.

Stakeholders at the Maiduguri meeting pledged to embark on extensive grassroots mobilization, voter engagement, and party strengthening initiatives across all local government areas in Borno. They also called on other APC-controlled states to replicate similar endorsements to build a nationwide consensus.

As Nigeria moves deeper into its current electoral cycle, the Borno endorsement highlights how regional political blocs are already shaping the contours of the 2027 race—long before official campaigns begin.

Borno APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Signal Early Political Realignment

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Fairness, unity key to victory in 2027, Chieftain tells APC leadership in Adamawa

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Fairness, unity key to victory in 2027, Chieftain tells APC leadership in Adamawa

Abdulrahaman Kwancham, Adamawa Northern Senatorial zone aspirant under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the party leadership in the zone to be fair towards ensuring victory for the party in 2027 General Elections.

Kwancham made the call during a courtesy visit to the party leadership in Mubi-North Local Government Area.

He said fairness and justice would help the party members to remain united and succeed beyond politics.

“We should please remain peaceful and united in APC for the seek of God as well as to shun anti party for the victory of our party”, he said.

He explained that some people were in the party spreading rumours to cause problem between him and Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri because of the seat despite Fintiri is yet to officially declare his intentions to contest.

According to him, he is not desperate in his pursuit of the senatorial seat, despite the several groups coming to urge him to contest.

“If Gov. Fintiri comes out, I am ready to step down considering his outstanding performance in the state.

“Even if you don’t like Fintiri, you know that he has worked for the state and I am not fighting him “, he said.

In his remarks, the party Chairman appreciated the aspirant for the visit and assured a level playing grounds for all.

He assured their readiness to work in accordance with the party guideline for the success of the party.

Kwancham earlier paid homage on the Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Isa Ahmadu who conferred on Kwancham the traditional title of Sarkin Fulani Mubi.

The Emir described the honour as well-deserved, citing Kwancham’s character, leadership qualities, and commitment to humanitarian activities.

Fairness, unity key to victory in 2027, Chieftain tells APC leadership in Adamawa

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