News
Why Kashim Shettima Is A Deciding Factor For APC’s Victory In 2027
Why Kashim Shettima Is A Deciding Factor For APC’s Victory In 2027
By Engr. Ishaku Ibrahim Mshelizza, MNSE, COREN
In 2023, when President Buhari’s 8- year tenure was coming to an end, then Candidate Tinubu as one of several powerful contenders to succeed him had to think and act strategically in order to win the contentious election. He needed a winning formular to realize his lifetime ambition (Emi Lokan) of presiding over the affairs of Nigeria.
As the first southern Muslim to contest seriously for the office, he needed a northern running mate with clout in order to realize his ambition, and against all expectations, he chose a fellow Muslim from the North East sub-Region with clout, pedigree and acceptability across regional and religious divides.
There was outrage and dissent by many of his friends and supporters over the Muslim – Muslim ticket (which last happened with Abiola- Kingibe in 1993). But the dissent didn’t last long as the choice of then Senator Kashim Shettima Mustapha of Borno Central was eventually accepted as a strategic political move and not intended to marginalize the Christian community.
In one of the most competitive and contentious elections ever, the Tinubu – Shettima ticket won decisively with the bulk of the votes coming from the North.
Vice President Kashim Shettima Mustapha, GCON, the 15th and current occupant of the office came fully prepared for the job with an intimidating resume. An Agricultural Economist and banker, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maiduguri and Masters in the same field from the University of Ibadan. After lecturing in the same field at the University of Maiduguri, he joined the banking industry where he rose to the position of a senior manager with Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Zenith Bank, from where his expertise was sought and he served as a Commissioner in key ministries in Borno State. He succeeded Governor Ali Modu Sheriff and served remarkably as Governor for two terms from 2011-2019 garnering the relevant experience as a politician and manager of diverse people and resources. He then won the senatorial election for Borno Central decisively in a keenly contested race, where he served his first term before emerging President Tinubu’s running mate in 2023.
He played a crucial role in mobilizing support for Tinubu who was contesting against a fellow Northeasterner, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
A voracious reader,book collector and good public orator, he has demonstrated his loyalty and capacity by representing President Tinubu in scores of countries across the globe and other High – Level events attracting commendations for Nigeria as well as his own deep understanding of the issues.
He has equally attracted support for President Tinubu across the North (54% of the nation’s population) by ensuring all sub- regions benefit immensely from development projects.
It is therefore illogical, irrational, against all convention and common sense that only two years into the first term of the Tinubu- Shettima Administration, there is a concerted effort by his political opponents as well as people suspected to be in the President’s inner circle to have him replaced as the running mate in 2027.
Apart from the his opponents in the Presidency, there are other prominent politicians from the North who are envious of how God has lifted up Kashim Shettima beyond their expectations. They are also not happy with how the Vice President has been impactful and supportive to the government of the day. Some of these self-centred and bitter politicians especially from Borno State are also behind the clamour to replace the Vice President.
Already, North East youth groups within the party have warned of dire consequences should he be replaced in 2027. But the most significant pointer to what would happen should President Tinubu listen to naysayers and negative nabobs of negativism, was the incident that happened at the APC North East Zonal Rally to endorse the Administration. Instead of endorsing Tinubu/ Shettima, both the North East Zonal Vice Chairman and the former National Chairman Dr Ganduje publicly proclaimed their endorsement of President Tinubu without even mentioning the name of the Vice President. The duo were immediately attacked and would have sustained serious injuries but for the quick intervention of the security agents at the venue who rushed them out to safety. The majority of the crowd were furious at this deliberate slight and provocation.
This incident was followed by a powerful press conference by the very popular Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum who bluntly warned Tinubu and the APC that should Vice President Kashim Shettima be replaced in 2027, the party should forget about getting any votes from the sub-Region.
Many dedicated Party members and supporters have already warned those contemplating replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima that such ill-advised move will cost them 75% of their support in the North, not just the North East sub-Region.
It will not matter who replaces the Vice President and from which part of the North. The Party and Administration will be digging their political graves as their rule would be brought to an abrupt and miserable end.
Engr. Ishaku Ibrahim Mshelizza is a Politician and APC Stakeholder from Hawul LGA of Borno State.
Why Kashim Shettima Is A Deciding Factor For APC’s Victory In 2027
Army troops rescue eight passengers including serving soldier abducted along Jos–Makurdi road
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have rescued eight passengers, including a serving soldier, who were abducted by armed robbers along the Jos–Makurdi road at Rafin Sanyi in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 2, when the victims were travelling in an ash-coloured Sharon.
A security source told Zagazola Makama that troops of OPSH Sector 6, deployed at Sopp community, swiftly responded to a distress call and engaged the criminals.
Seven of the eight passengers were rescued on the spot, while the eighth victim, identified as Corporal Munyal Abdullahi of 3 Division Garrison, was initially taken away into the surrounding highlands by the assailants.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the soldier, attached to 73 ST Brigade Fire Unit as a driver, had just dismounted from duty and was travelling to Abuja without an official pass to deliver yet-to-be-confirmed items for a relative.
The abductors contacted the rescued victims via phone numbers, demanding a ransom of N60 million for the soldier’s release.
However, following a coordinated search-and-rescue operation by OPSH troops in collaboration with other team, the soldier was successfully rescued and reunited with the other victims.
Army troops rescue eight passengers including serving soldier abducted along Jos–Makurdi road
Zulum wins northeast governor of the year award
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has been conferred with the Northeast Governor of the Year Award. The award presentation was conducted at the Progressive Digital Summit Dinner held over the weekend in Abuja.
The maiden digital summit, 2025, celebrates exemplary stewardship and innovative governance across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The award was received by Zulum’s Senior Technical Assistant on Print and Digital Communications, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi, who expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the governor and the entire Borno State government.
“This honour is a testament to the relentless efforts of Governor Zulum in transforming Borno into a land of hope and progress. His leadership has inspired a new wave of resilience and development in the face of challenges,” Bundi stated.
Bundi reiterated that such honour will serve as vital motivation for Governor Zulum to push even harder for the betterment of the northeast. “This recognition will fuel the resolve of our amiable governor to work tirelessly to ensure that the dreams of our people become reality, and that our region continues on the path of sustainable growth and peace,” Mr Bundi affirmed.
Hon. Bundi was accompanied by SSAs to the Governor, Abdullahi Yusuf and Dogo Mohammed Shettima, Dr Ibrahim Wujema, Goni M. Tar, Bulama Mohammed Bukar, among other Borno participants at the summit.
Zulum wins northeast governor of the year award
News
NGO Says Taiwan Representative in Nigeria Has No Diplomatic Recognition in Line with One-China Policy
NGO Says Taiwan Representative in Nigeria Has No Diplomatic Recognition in Line with One-China Policy
By: Michael Mike
A non-governmental organization, SINOAFRIK Media Documentation and Development Network, has expressed concern over the misrepresentation of a recent visit by Andy Liu, the Head of the Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria, to Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu as a diplomatic visit.
The organisation, in a press statement on Monday signed by its Executive Director, Austin Maho, said the portrayal of the visit as a diplomatic engagement between Taiwan and Nigeria is misleading and does not reflect the realities of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
SINOAFRIK stated that Taiwan is an inseparable part of the People’s Republic of China, and the Taipei Trade Office in Lagos operates as a non-diplomatic entity. It stressed that Nigeria does not recognize any entity referred to as the “Taiwanese government.”
It added that: “Any implication of bilateral collaboration with such an entity is seen as contradictory to Nigeria’s longstanding foreign policy, which has been grounded in mutual respect for the One-China Principle since its adoption in 1971.”
According to the statement, the One-China Principle asserts that there is only one China, with Taiwan being an integral part of it, and recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China. This position is reinforced by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 from 1971, alongside historical documents such as the 1943 Cairo Declaration and the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation.
SINOAFRIK reiterated that the One-China Principle has been the foundation of Nigeria-China relations for over five decades.
“At the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing, Nigeria and China elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, where Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China Principle and its opposition to any form of Taiwan independence,” the statement noted.
The organisation pointed out that the People’s Republic of China has been a vital partner in Nigeria’s development, contributing significantly to key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, technology, trade, and human capital development. It said Nigeria is China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade exceeding $20 billion annually.
SINOAFRIK urged the Nigerian media and the public to avoid terms like “Taiwanese Ambassador to Nigeria,” “Taiwanese government,” or “Embassy of Taiwan in Nigeria,” as these terms imply the existence of “two Chinas” and are inconsistent with Nigeria’s foreign policy.
“The media must uphold objectivity, fairness, and accuracy in their reporting,” the statement added.
NGO Says Taiwan Representative in Nigeria Has No Diplomatic Recognition in Line with One-China Policy
Army troops rescue eight passengers including serving soldier abducted along Jos–Makurdi road
Zulum wins northeast governor of the year award
NGO Says Taiwan Representative in Nigeria Has No Diplomatic Recognition in Line with One-China Policy
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics2 months ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
