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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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Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

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Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

By: Michael Mike

Allegations of institutional cover-up have again put the Nigeria Police under scrutiny following claims by Mrs. Nnenna John-Anozie that senior police authorities are deliberately protecting officers linked to the abduction and disappearance of her husband, Mr. John Chukwuemeka Anozie.

Mrs. John-Anozie, at the weekend in Abuja accused the police of ignoring valid court orders and the outcomes of formal investigations, insisting that the actions of the Nigeria Police point to an internal network operating above the law.

According to her, the continued protection of the officers involved has not only obstructed justice but has also eroded public confidence in the institution constitutionally empowered to protect lives and liberties.

She described the police response to her case as a consistent and deliberate failure rather than an administrative lapse. “This is not just negligence; it is a betrayal of public trust,” she said, adding that the law is being openly disregarded by those sworn to uphold it. She maintained that the police authorities are fully aware of the circumstances surrounding her husband’s disappearance but have chosen not to act.

Mrs. John-Anozie further stated that contrary to public perception, the judiciary has not hindered her quest for justice. She explained that the court had ruled in her favour, but enforcement of the judgment has been frustrated by the police’s refusal to comply with binding orders. She warned that such disobedience undermines the authority of the courts and weakens the rule of law.

Her legal counsel, Mr. Vincent Adodo, has since approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, filing a contempt application against the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun. The application seeks an order compelling the police to produce for prosecution officers allegedly connected to the case — identified as Sunday Okpe, Anthony Obiozor Ikechukwu, Emeana Uzochukwu, John Eze, and an officer known as Oriole (also called Tboy) — as well as to release investigation records relating to the matter.

The contempt proceedings are scheduled to be heard on February 9, a date Mrs. John-Anozie describes as crucial not only for her family but also for accountability within law enforcement. She argues that the absence of effective mechanisms to enforce compliance with court orders has prolonged her ordeal and cast doubt on the integrity of the justice system.

Mrs. John-Anozie lamented that efforts to seek justice through the National Human Rights Commission and the EndSARS Judicial Panel seems to have failed as police officers ignored several summons and orders.

She said despite the lengthy process, she is determined to pursue justice through lawful means, stressing that only strict adherence to the rule of law can guarantee accountability, protect citizens’ rights, and restore confidence in public institutions.

Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

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Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”

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Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”

By: Michael Mike

A pro-government group, the Legacy Support Group for President Bola Tinubu, has pushed back against criticisms of the Federal Government’s policies, accusing opposition figures and “disgruntled political actors” of spreading misinformation to undermine the administration’s reform agenda.

Speaking at the inauguration of the group in Abuja at the weekend, its National Coordinator, Ezinna Chima Duru, said the attacks on President Tinubu were not based on constructive criticism but on “campaigns of calumny” driven by political frustration and personal interests.

Duru said while democratic governance allows for criticism, such engagements must be grounded in facts and aimed at strengthening the system, not destabilising it. He described recent narratives around fuel subsidy removal, economic hardship and insecurity as “deliberately exaggerated” to mislead the public.

Addressing the removal of fuel subsidy, the group argued that the policy was necessary to end what it described as years of large-scale corruption in the petroleum sector. According to Duru, previous administrations failed to dismantle subsidy-related cartels due to their influence, leaving the economy burdened by debt and fiscal pressure.

He said President Tinubu took a “difficult but courageous” decision to eliminate the subsidy, adding that the administration was conscious of the short-term impact on citizens and therefore introduced measures to cushion the effects. Among these, he highlighted the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation as a strategy to reduce fuel costs and support cleaner energy use.

The group also claimed that increased revenue from subsidy savings has improved allocations to states and local governments, enabling them to fund infrastructure projects, pay salaries and support local councils more effectively.

On security, the Legacy Support Group said the current administration inherited complex challenges linked to cross-border terrorism and insurgency, stressing that recent strategic adjustments within the security architecture were beginning to yield positive results.

Commenting on the economy, the group credited the Tinubu administration with assembling what it described as a competent economic team, asserting that economic indicators were showing signs of recovery. It also cited reductions in food prices and improvements in power generation capacity as evidence of progress under the Renewed Hope agenda.

The group further praised government initiatives in youth empowerment and education, including student loan schemes and programmes aimed at supporting National Youth Service Corps members and young entrepreneurs.

In its resolution, the Legacy Support Group urged Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political lines to support the Tinubu administration, saying continuity beyond 2027 would help consolidate ongoing reforms.

“The achievements recorded so far show a clear commitment to national development,” Duru said. “We call on Nigerians to remain united and support policies that secure a better future for the country.”

The group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope vision for Nigeria’s long-term growth.

Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”

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West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference

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West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference

By: Michael Mike

Leaders from several West African countries have agreed to pursue a new, structured approach to regional cooperation aimed at tackling terrorism, cross-border crime, and deepening insecurity across the sub-region.

The commitment was reached at the end of a two-day High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security held in Accra from January 29 to 30, 2026.

The meeting was chaired by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, with Presidents Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and Joseph Boakai of Liberia leading their respective delegations.

Representatives from Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo also participated.

Discussions at the conference focused on the worsening security situation in West Africa, which leaders described as facing an alarming rise in terrorism and violent extremism. Participants noted that the frequency of attacks and loss of civilian lives now pose a serious threat to regional stability, economic activity, and social cohesion, making coordinated action unavoidable.

The conference followed earlier technical sessions involving Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Security, as well as intelligence chiefs from participating states. Development partners, including the African Union Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), alongside civil society organisations, contributed to the deliberations.

Leaders agreed that existing responses to insecurity have been too fragmented and largely reactive. As a result, the conference resolved to work toward a permanent framework for cooperation that would strengthen collective responses, improve information sharing, and address the structural drivers of insecurity across borders.

A key outcome of the meeting was a renewed emphasis on a human security approach, recognising that military measures alone cannot deliver lasting peace.

The leaders pledged to prioritise governance reforms, job creation, access to education and healthcare, and community-based peacebuilding as part of national and regional security strategies.

On counterterrorism, the conference agreed to enhance intelligence and information sharing, harmonise legal frameworks to support cross-border prosecution of terrorism-related crimes, and expand deradicalisation programmes while upholding human rights standards. Measures to combat trafficking in arms, narcotics, and persons were also highlighted.

To strengthen border security, participants committed to exploring joint operational measures, including possible “hot-pursuit” arrangements through bilateral or multilateral agreements. They further agreed to develop a foundational Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation and security within six months, with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs tasked with leading the drafting process.

The conference also addressed humanitarian and climate-related challenges, recognising climate change as a factor that intensifies conflict and displacement. Leaders agreed to integrate climate and food security into regional peace planning and to work toward a shared disaster preparedness and humanitarian response framework.

At the close of the meeting, participants agreed to institutionalise the consultative conference as a bi-annual platform and to establish a mechanism for tracking and monitoring the implementation of agreed decisions.

The conference ended with a renewed pledge by regional leaders to translate commitments into concrete actions that safeguard lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen stability across West Africa.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu led the country’s delegation to the meeting.

West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference

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