Politics
THE TRIUMPH OF TINUBU/SHETTIMA AND THE QUESTION OF NATIONHOOD.
THE TRIUMPH OF TINUBU/SHETTIMA AND THE QUESTION OF NATIONHOOD.
BY; Inuwa Bwala
Even in more controversial circumstances, there has never been a time a presidential election was upturned after the winner has been innaugrated. And our present situation is not an exception.
Agreed, that, there is always a first time, but it is equally true that history is not made out of a vacuum. It is a chronology of events that culminates into history. And there is nothing unusual to warrant the making of history with this.
And so, whether accidental or by design, the verdict of the Presidential Election Petitions Court on Wednessday, which coincided with the 100th days anniversary of their rule, remains the best gift to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The theatrics that followed the Declaration of the results were enough to cast doubts in some gullible minds.But even as a layman; bereft of any legal requirement, I was never bothered that the eventual Verdict by the Presidential Election Petitions Court, will upturn the Presidential elections of 25th February, 2023, in which Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima were declared victors.
By some form of distant magnetic allure, I could not resist watching what was happening in Abuja from Maiduguri.
I remained glued to my television set; watching in awe how the Vice President Kashim Shettima calmly watched and listened to proceeings in the court, as if nothing was at stake.
Many Nigerians thought the president was not bothered after all, which was why he could afford to travel to India during the pensive moment, leading to the court verdict.
I know, as a matter of fact, that the presence of the Vice President suffices, except for those trying to over dramatize the whole issue.
Those who follow debates, pre-dating the judgement by legal luminaries, could have seen through the futility of the appeal abinitio.
Though not necessary, Kashim Shettima’s presence in the court throughout the pronouncements was a soothing indicator that there was actually no cause for alarm.
The comic angle to the day long sitting of the court was how all lawyers, especially from the appelants side dozed off while the fates of their clients were being decided, while all the judges and the Vice President remained rapaciously alert.
Even with the battle seemingly over, some of appeallants have vowed to take further steps beyond this, others have wisely succumbed to the wise notion, that, “God gives power to whom he wills, and no amount of mortal discontent could ever change anything”.
Whatever option anybody takes, Nigeria seems to have gotten to a point where there is the need to reawaken our sense of nationhood and get on the same patriotic pages, if ever we hope to develop.
Events playing out following the 2023 elections have tended to portray Nigerians more polarised than ever before; along political, ethnic, religious, and regional lines.
READ ALSO:https://newsng.ng/nigerias-vp-kashim-shettima-in-100-days/
It is a tragic fact, that, in the face of our rich human and natural endowments, we often engage in needless ethnic, religious, regional or class squabbles, instead of harnessing our potentials and convert same into collective national pursuits.
It is a sad narrative that, rather than see ourselves as Nigerians, irrespective of political, religious, ethnic or regional clivages, we tend to ride on the backs of sentiments and emotions, with attendant threats of war on each other.
I wish we could cue into Vice President Kashim Shettima’s vission in his reaction to yesterday’s version.
“We cannot continue to gloss over the sensibilities of our people. We are conscious of our our problems as a nation, and as leaders, we owe our people the duty to treat every Nigerian equally and without prejudice. We have a covenant with Nigerians to be fair and just to all, and we have given indications of our good intentions to that. Let our dear citizens give us the chance to reposition Nigeria as we have pledged to do. “
Shettima has also reached to the agrirv3d parties, including Atiku Abubakar, sand Peter Obi, seeking for their cooperation in the task of moving Nigeria forward
Humility and Magnanimity in victory covets submission and cooperation in loss. This is why I was so touched by the Vice President’s efforts in reaching g out to fellow Nigerians, to bury the past and unify for the future.
The judgement by the Presidential Election Petitions Court is phase but out feature beacons.
THE TRIUMPH OF TINUBU/SHETTIMA AND THE QUESTION OF NATIONHOOD.
Buni wins the Yobe East senatorial seat
By: Yahaya Wakili
The executive governor of Yobe state, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, has won the Yobe East senatorial district primary election.
And Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai has won the Yobe South Senatorial seat. While Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan GCON, the longest-serving senator, has won the Yobe North Senatorial seat, respectively.
Senator Musa Mustapha moved a motion for endorsement of His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni CON as the sole APC senatorial candidate for the Yobe East Senatorial District.
The motion was seconded by Hon. Lawan Shettima Ali in line with the provisions of our laws.
“I am truly grateful to our political leaders and constituents for the opportunity given to me to serve in the Nigerian Senate,” Senator Mustapha said.
He maintained that Governor Mai Mala Buni and I have always agreed on everything that we have to do to make our state better, and he is the one that will take over from me.
“With his track record of performance, the Yobe East senatorial election has already been won by Governor Buni, inshallah, and I don’t think there is anybody today with the political capacity to even come near him in the upcoming elections.
Buni wins the Yobe East senatorial seat
2027: Fintiri wins APC’s senatorial ticket for Adamawa North
Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial ticket in the forthcoming 2027 general elections for Adamawa North Senatorial District.
Mr Wilfred William, the returning officer of the APC primary election for Adamawa North senatorial district declared Fintiri the winner and returned him as APC’s candidate at the collation centre in Mubi-North Local Government Area of Adamawa.
He said that the election was conducted across the five LGAs in the zone; Madagali, Maiha, Michika, Mubi-North and Mubi-South.
“The total number of votes for the five LGAs is 292,070, accredited votes 174,514, votes cast 174,514.
“The following are the number of votes scored by each aspirant; Abdulrahaman Kwacham 6,958 votes; Ahmadu Fintiri 160,579 votes and Hamisu Medugu 6,977.
“Having satisfied the requirements, Fintiri scored the highest votes and was hereby declared the winner and returned elected for the Adamawa North Senatorial District,” he said.
2027: Fintiri wins APC’s senatorial ticket for Adamawa North
2027: “VP Shettima is the soul of the Tinubu ticket.”
By: Dr. James Bwala
In the complex and often unpredictable landscape of Nigerian politics, few figures command the nuanced respect and unyielding support that Vice President Kashim Shettima does within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and beyond. As Nigeria approaches the pivotal 2027 elections, political discourse has increasingly focused on the symbiotic relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his vice president, Shettima—an alliance many analysts and insiders argue forms an inseparable whole. Among those who have championed this narrative for over a decade, I have steadfastly promoted and defended Shettima’s candidacy and political persona in the media, convinced that he is not only indispensable to Tinubu’s ticket but indeed its very soul.
Shettima’s political journey is marked by resilience, versatility, and a deep commitment to Nigeria’s democratic evolution. From his early days as governor of Borno State—where he confronted extremist insurgencies with a combination of diplomacy and firmness—to his current role as vice president, Shettima has consistently demonstrated qualities essential to governance: courage, strategic thinking, and an unshakeable connection to the grassroots. These attributes have earned him a rare kind of political capital, transcending regional and ethnic divides that often constrain Nigerian politicians.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-between-president-tinubu-and-vice-president-kashim-shettima/
The past few years have seen me articulate these points repeatedly, emphasizing Shettima’s unique ability to balance the interests of northern Nigeria while aligning with Tinubu’s southwestern base. This duality is critical in a country where political equations are fundamentally intertwined with geography and identity. Shettima’s presence on the ticket effectively broadens the coalition, ensuring that the APC maintains electoral competitiveness across key demographics. His role is not merely symbolic or ceremonial; it is a strategic masterstroke aimed at reflecting the diversity and unity Nigeria aspires to embody.
Yet, despite these clear advantages, skepticism about Shettima’s political heft persists among certain commentators and factions. Some critics assert that he lacks the “political weight” to govern effectively at the national level or that his influence is confined to limited spheres. These critiques often hinge on isolated events or a narrow interpretation of political dynamics. However, such views overlook the broader, more intricate realities of Nigerian politics, where soft power, coalition-building, and consensus-making are just as vital as raw electoral numbers or populist appeal.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-between-president-tinubu-and-vice-president-kashim-shettima/
A compelling rejoinder to these doubts was recently offered by my respected colleague, Mr. Abdul Rafiu Lawal, former correspondent for TELL Magazine, whose insights carry considerable weight owing to his extensive experience and analytical rigor. Lawal described Vice President Shettima as the “soul of the Tinubu ticket,” a phrase that encapsulates the essence of Shettima’s indispensability to the ruling coalition. He went further to caution that if President Tinubu were to disregard or sever this alliance, he would be committing a grave political error—a move that would jeopardize the ticket’s viability and electoral success.
Lawal’s commentary crystallizes the argument that Shettima is far more than a mere running mate; he is the linchpin of their collective political destiny. His presence on the ticket provides coherence to the APC’s narrative of inclusiveness and stability amid an often fragmented political landscape. Indeed, Shettima’s extensive networks, especially in the crucial Northern geopolitical region, afford the administration a strategic edge in mobilizing voters and consolidating support in areas that might otherwise remain skeptical of the Tinubu-led platform.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-between-president-tinubu-and-vice-president-kashim-shettima/
Beyond electoral calculations, Shettima’s role as the vice president projects a message of reconciliation and forward-looking governance. Nigeria’s history is punctuated by periods of sectional tension and mistrust among its diverse ethnic groups. Having a northeasterner of Shettima’s stature occupying this high office signals a commitment to embracing all corners of the nation, fostering unity and shared purpose. This symbolism resonates with millions who seek assurance that their voices and concerns matter in the corridors of power.
VP Shettima embodies a blend of youthful dynamism and seasoned political acumen that complements Tinubu’s leadership style. Together, they project an image of a government both rooted in experience and responsive to contemporary challenges. This synergy is critical as Nigeria confronts pressing issues—from economic diversification and security threats to social cohesion and infrastructural development.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-between-president-tinubu-and-vice-president-kashim-shettima/
Detractors might argue that political alliances in Nigeria are ephemeral, driven by expediency rather than enduring conviction. While this skepticism is not unfounded historically, the Tinubu-Shettima partnership demonstrates notable durability and shared vision. It is a relationship forged not solely on political convenience but also on mutual respect and a convergent understanding of Nigeria’s needs at this juncture. The consistency of Shettima’s public service record, alongside Tinubu’s leadership trajectory, attests to a partnership built on genuine collaboration.
In light of these considerations, the discourse surrounding the “Shettima issue” must be reframed. Rather than questioning his legitimacy or capacity, stakeholders ought to recognize that the vice president’s role transcends individual ambition. He is a critical agent for national consolidation, whose contributions underpin the larger framework of political stability and growth.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-between-president-tinubu-and-vice-president-kashim-shettima/
As the nation moves closer to the 2027 elections, the importance of coherent, inclusive leadership cannot be overstated. The stakes are high, and the electorate is discerning. Political actors who understand and embrace the composite nature of Nigeria’s polity will be better positioned to deliver lasting progress. Herein lies the significance of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s place on the Tinubu ticket—it is the embodiment of unity in diversity, a strategic nod to Nigeria’s pluralistic fabric, and a testament to the power of principled partnership.
The vice president is undeniably the soul of the Tinubu ticket. His political gravitas, regional representation, and commitment to national development enrich the ticket’s appeal and functionality. To undermine or dismiss his role is to risk destabilizing an alliance that offers Nigeria a credible path towards cohesion and prosperity. As articulated by Abdul Rafiu Lawal and evidenced by decades of Shettima’s public engagement, the vice presidency is not a peripheral appointment but a central pillar in the architecture of Nigeria’s evolving democracy. For those invested in the country’s future, embracing Shettima’s indispensability is not just a political calculation—it is a patriotic imperative.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
2027: “VP Shettima is the soul of the Tinubu ticket.”
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