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Why Kashim Shettima Is A Deciding Factor For APC’s Victory In 2027

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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

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Abuja–kaduna train derails with perssengers onboard, casualties feared

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Abuja–kaduna train derails with perssengers onboard, casualties feared

By: Zagazola Makama

A train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna on Tuesday derailed after reportedly missing a point, Zagazola reports.

Details of the incident are still sketchy, and the number of fatalities or casualties could not be immediately ascertained.

Emergency responders and security agencies are said to be moving to the scene, while officials are yet to issue an official statement on the development.

Abuja–kaduna train derails with perssengers onboard, casualties feared

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Man kills rival over alleged affair with wife in Adamawa

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Man kills rival over alleged affair with wife in Adamawa

By: Zagazola

The Police in Adamawa have launched a manhunt for a suspect alleged to have killed a villager over a dispute involving his wife in Demsa Local Government Area of the state.

Sources said the incident occurred in Wuro Bakumbo village, where one Hamman Shomo allegedly attacked Hammadu Shagari with a knife following a quarrel.

It said the quarrel, which took place on Sunday, stemmed from Shomo’s suspicion that Shagari was having an affair with his wife, identified as 20-year-old Rabi Alim.

According to sources, Shagari initially escaped into the bush after the attack, but his lifeless body was discovered the next day, (Monday) lying in a pool of blood with deep cuts on his back.

The sources said the scene was visited by police, documented, and the corpse evacuated to General Hospital, Numan, for autopsy.

The sources said that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect, while the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had been detailed to carry out discreet investigation.

Man kills rival over alleged affair with wife in Adamawa

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Gunmen kill vigilante, abduct man, wife and child in katsina

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Gunmen kill vigilante, abduct man, wife and child in katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed men have killed a vigilante and abducted three members of a family in Katsina metropolis, the Police Command has confirmed.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday at Filin Canada Quarters, behind Steel Rolling Mill.

The sources explained that the assailants broke into the residence of one Anas Ahmadu, and abducted him, his wife Halimatu, and their daughter, Jidda.

According to the sources, a vigilante member attached to the area, Abdullahi Muhammad, 25, was shot by the attackers while attempting to resist the abduction.

He was rushed to the General Hospital, Katsina, where he was confirmed dead.

Security operatives have been directed to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators, rescue the victims and restore normalcy in the area.

Gunmen kill vigilante, abduct man, wife and child in katsina

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