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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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APC Commissioners meet to assess dividends of democracy

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Abdulahi Bego

APC Commissioners meet to assess dividends of democracy

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Commissioner of information in Yobe State Abdulahi Bego has said that the quarterly meetings of Commissioners of information of All Progressive Congress (APC) controlled states in the country is to assess dividends of democracy in their respective states.

Bego said that the progressive forum of Commissioners is a unified platform of information commissioners of APC states gathering together for the joint assessment of how far they have gone in the dishing out of vital dividends of democracy to the entire citizens of their respective states.

Commissioner Bego added that the key reason for the meeting of Commissioners of information was to further assess the impacts and performances of their Principals and how they co-managed the APC states to see if their performances are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

The APC Commissioners according to Bego who spoke to this reporter just after the opening session today noted that the quarterly gathering was a platform were they are expected to tell their stories in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

Bego stated that with the performances of the Governors at the sub regional levels, looking at all the vital sub sectors like agricultural, education, health and others that have come on top as performing indices across the States most Progressive Governor’s were not doing badly.

“This is the reason why we gather together quarterly to do these types of appraisals to see what next or how we can improve on our performances for the betterment of the people of Nigeria.”

President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was set up to ensure that all Nigerians including the no income, vulnerable and underprivileged groups have access to decent and dignified accommodation.

Present were commissioners of information from all APC states in the country.

APC Commissioners meet to assess dividends of democracy

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Class Of 1978, Nshiagu College Ogwashi-Uku Congratulates Hon. Justice Flora Azinge On Homecoming Posting To Ogwashi-Uku High Court

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Class Of 1978, Nshiagu College Ogwashi-Uku Congratulates Hon. Justice Flora Azinge On Homecoming Posting To Ogwashi-Uku High Court

Class Of 1978, Nshiagu College Ogwashi-Uku Congratulates Hon. Justice Flora Azinge On Homecoming Posting To Ogwashi-Uku High Court

Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State — It is with immense pride and joy that the 1978 graduating class of Nshiagu College, Ogwashi-Uku, extends heartfelt congratulations to our their own distinguished alumna, Hon. Justice Flora Ngozi Azinge (née Osadebay), on her transfer from High Court 4, Asaba, to a much-anticipated homecoming posting at the Ogwashi-Uku High Court.

A Homecoming Long Awaited
The news of Justice Azinge’s transfer to Ogwashi-Uku High Court has been received with keen excitement across her old class circle. For many members of her class of ’78, this is more than a judicial reassignment — it is what feels like a return to her roots, an opportunity for her to serve in the ancestral community where she went to school, close to the people who have watched and celebrated her rise through the years.
As a daughter of Chief Dennis Osadebey, former Premier of the defunct Mid-West Region, Justice Azinge carries both the weight of a distinguished lineage and the expectation of public service.

During her tenure in Asaba, she earned attention — for her firm judgments. In 2023, she presided over a chilling case in which a 28-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his four-year-old daughter. In delivering judgment, she described the offender’s act as “callous, animalistic, barbaric.”

Her strong stance in exposing attempted bribery in tribunal settings has also made headlines. In a high-profile case, she disclosed that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria attempted to corrupt proceedings in which she was presiding.

These episodes have only reinforced her image as a no-nonsense jurist with integrity, which adds to the pride with which her classmates now celebrate her return to Ogwashi-Uku.

Bonds of Friendship and Support — Chief Mike Nwaukoni & Classmates
Among those leading the congratulations within the community is Chief Mike Nwaukoni, widely known in Ogwashi-Uku as “Supu Lele,” a wealthy clearing and forwarding magnate and senior chief in the Kingdom.
Over the years, Chief Nwaukoni has become particularly close to Justice Azinge, offering both moral support. It is well known among the 1978 class that she has frequently opened her home to key classmates — to dine, socialize, share stories, and to strengthen class bonds. In every such gathering, she is said to have welcomed her peers with warmth, and many in the class say that those experiences helped deepen loyalty to her success.

In acknowledging her homecoming, classmates note that Chief Nwaukoni has been a steadfast ally — not merely in name, but in action — supporting her, uplifting her profile, and affirming her. She has also been very good to him and has always welcomed him to her house for meals and exchange of banter. The existing relationship of friendship, respect, and mutual backing between her and Chief Nwaukoni is thus a cornerstone of this congratulatory message.

Other members of the class of ’78 also join in this chorus of support. From professionals in law, business, education, and public service — many of whom credit Justice Azinge’s example as inspirational — the message is unanimous: she has made them proud, and they will walk with her in this new leg of her judicial journey.

In Her New Station — A Promise of Growth and Service
While Ogwashi-Uku is now her station, the class expects nothing less than excellence from Justice Azinge. They express unshakeable confidence that she will elevate the Ogwashi-Uku High Court, bring to it the same zeal, fairness, and integrity she displayed in Asaba, and even surpass them.
In heartfelt words circulated among class WhatsApp groups and letters, they promise: “Now that she is practically in her home, we will be there to support her at every step of the way.” That promise, made in unity, underscores how personal and collective this transition is for them.

Looking Ahead: What This Move Means Locally
Her return holds significant symbolic and practical value for Ogwashi-Uku. Having a high court judge of her caliber locally can speed up access to justice for the people, reduce burdens on litigants who otherwise travel to Asaba, and potentially strengthen the judicial presence in the community. For her classmates, neighbours, and the kingdom at large, her appointment is more than a personal victory — it is a community asset.

As she settles into her role, the Class of 1978 encourages all stakeholders — from the judiciary to the local bar, traditional institutions to civil society — to rally around her, support her, hold her accountable, and celebrate her success. They look forward to the stories of justice done, reforms made, and lives impacted under her watch in Ogwashi-Uku.

Class Of 1978, Nshiagu College Ogwashi-Uku Congratulates Hon. Justice Flora Azinge On Homecoming Posting To Ogwashi-Uku High Court

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Borno Council Elections set for Dec 13th

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Borno APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba

Borno Council Elections set for Dec 13th

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Chair of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) party in Borno state Bello Ayuba has said the next council elections will take place on Dec 13th.

To this end, he assured recently that his party will work with the Borno state electoral commission to ensure that they conduct a free and fair party primaries to encompass everyone in the game.

Ayuba who addressed newsmen recently noted that his party has hit the ground running by inaugurating four committees that will guide the democratic process of electing the next sets of council chairmen in the state.

He said his party has formed a special reconciliation committee to ensure that aggrieved card carrying members will have a place for stabilization in the process of conducting the primaries within the 320 wards of the 27 council areas of the state.

Larger committees he posited will also be setup soon to work with the party leadership even after screening, appeal and reconciliation committees have concluded their service.

The chairman noted that his party has directed that candidates for the position of Councillor has been pegged at N 0.5m while Chairmanship candidates will pay only N2m for their forms compared to what goes on in other progressive states.

Borno Council Elections set for Dec 13th

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