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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
NCYP and Digital Imam Urge Review of Bandit Peace Deals to Prevent Rising Insecurity
By: Michael Mike
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has called on the Federal Government to urgently reevaluate the peace deals currently being entered into with bandits in the North West, warning that such agreements may worsen insecurity rather than resolve it.
This position was made known during a courtesy visit by the NCYP national delegation, led by its National Chairman, Isaac Abrak, to the Chairman of the Islamic Research and Da’awa Foundation, Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalid—fondly known as the Digital Imam—at his residence in Karu, Nasarawa State.
Speaking during the visit, Abrak noted with concern that while clerics and community leaders are engaging with bandits in states such as Katsina, Zamfara, and Kebbi, attacks in these areas continue to rise.
He stressed that while community involvement is important, negotiations with armed groups should be led by state security agencies such as the military and the DSS, with clerics and local leaders playing a supportive role.
On the recurring farmers–herders conflict in the North Central region, Abrak urged stakeholders to draw lessons from Rwanda’s experience. He explained that Rwanda was able to break cycles of revenge between Hutus and Tutsis—who lost over 800,000 lives during the genocide—through the virtues of forgiveness and reconciliation. He cautioned that Nigeria must also embrace forgiveness to avoid a similar tragedy, while highlighting Rwanda’s remarkable post-conflict recovery and development as a model.
In his response, Sheikh Nuru Khalid reiterated his longstanding call for interreligious tolerance between Muslims and Christians as the foundation for peace, good governance, and national development. He endorsed NCYP’s call for the review of peace deals, stressing that while peace is desirable, government must not appear weak or give preferential treatment to criminals. According to him, the current form of negotiations risks sending the wrong message—that government cannot hold bandits accountable for their crimes.
The Sheikh further cautioned against elevating the status of bandits above that of affected communities, warning that this could embolden potential criminals. He commended Nigeria’s security forces for their commitment, particularly the Chief of Defence Staff, whom he described as dedicated to securing the country.
Sheikh Khalid also expressed appreciation to the NCYP for the visit and assured them of his support and guidance in their pursuit of peace and justice across the nation.
NCYP and Digital Imam Urge Review of Bandit Peace Deals to Prevent Rising Insecurity
News
Kaduna, Gates Foundation Deepen Collaboration Through Mutual Accountability Framework to Transform Development
Kaduna, Gates Foundation Deepen Collaboration Through Mutual Accountability Framework to Transform Development
By: Michael Mike
The Kaduna State Government and the Gates Foundation has signed the Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF), a landmark platform to strengthen strategic collaboration, accountability, and sustainable development.
The signing, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, represents a shared dedication to supporting the advancement of sustainable development in Kaduna State through targeted interventions and strengthened cooperation.
According to a statement signed by the Senior Communications Officer at the Gates Foundation Fatima Abubakar Alkali, and Chief Press Secretary to Kaduna state governor, Ibraheem Musa, the Framework establishes a non-binding strategic platform for dialogue and accountability. It is intended solely as a guide for collaboration and does not constitute, and shall not be interpreted as creating, any legally enforceable obligations or financial commitments by either Party.
It is designed to align the development priorities of both partners for maximum impact. It builds on the Kaduna State International Development Cooperation Framework (2017 – 2020) and introduces new mechanisms for strategic dialogue, measurable commitments, and citizen-centered monitoring.
The key areas of focus of the framework includes; Health, Agriculture, Data Management, Realistic Budgeting and Economic Empowerment. Kaduna State Governor, UbaSani who welcomed the Framework as a vital step toward Kaduna’s development vision said it represents a bold step from promises to delivery.
Uba said: “The KaMAF represents a bold shift from promises to delivery. By ensuring accountability, transparency, and alignment with the priorities of our citizens, Kaduna is working toward building a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future. We are proud to partner with the Gates Foundation to drive real, measurable change that improves lives across our state.”
Speaking on the landmark agreement, the Gates Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to Kaduna State through ongoing investments and technical assistance.
Gates Foundation, Country Director for Nigeria, Uche Amaonwu said: “Our work in Kaduna is grounded in a shared vision for inclusive, accountable, and data-driven development. “We are not just investing in systems; we are investing in people, in communities, and in the institutions that support sustainable change.
The Foundation stands ready to support Kaduna in strengthening primary health care, improving access to economic opportunities, and ensuring that every naira spent delivers real impact.”
The statement said KaMAF will guide collaboration over an initial two-year period (2025–2026), with regular Strategic Dialoguesand a Joint Steering Committee to track progress, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure sustainability.
It added that by aligning resources, reinforcing accountability, and centering citizens in the process, the Kaduna State Government and the Gates Foundation aim to set a model for transformative state-donor partnerships in Nigeria and beyond.
Kaduna, Gates Foundation Deepen Collaboration Through Mutual Accountability Framework to Transform Development
Police arrest five suspects for vandalising NNPC pipelines in Taraba
By; Zagazola Makama
The Taraba State Police Command has arrested five suspects for alleged vandalism of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines in Ardo Kola Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said that the suspects were apprehended on Sept. 23 at about 2 p.m. at Zangon Kombi village.
According to the sources , operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the area and caught the suspects in the act.
The suspects were identified as Gambo Umar, 30; Sale Musa, 38; Usama Zakar, 22; Abdulwahab Ibrahim, 25; and Shitu Mohammed, 23, all from Gassol and Ardo Kola LGAs.
Items recovered from the scene included 36 cut-to-size pipes, a generator, one digger, and two shovels.
The sources said investigation was ongoing and further developments would be communicated.
Police arrest five suspects for vandalising NNPC pipelines in Taraba
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Kaduna, Gates Foundation Deepen Collaboration Through Mutual Accountability Framework to Transform Development
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