Shettima: Only Six Northern Governors Backed Tinubu In 2023
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that only six of the 19 northern governors supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for the presidency during the 2023 general election.
Shettima made the disclosure on Wednesday at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, during the turbaning of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate.
The Vice-President said despite the limited support Tinubu received from governors in the North, the President remained determined to pursue his presidential ambition.
He said the 2023 presidential contest was characterised by intense political manoeuvring and several obstacles were placed in Tinubu’s path.
“You all know that we have 19 states in the North. Out of these, only six actually believed and supported Tinubu,” Shettima said.
He specifically mentioned former Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello and AbdulRazaq among those who supported Tinubu, adding that he would not name the other governors “to avoid controversy.”
“But the governors that were supporting President Tinubu in the North were not more than six. However, Tinubu refused to be deterred. He was able to cross the road,” he added.
Shettima said the experience should serve as a lesson to politicians, particularly those preparing for future elections.
According to him, political disagreements should not permanently destroy relationships among political actors.
He therefore urged politicians in Kwara State to reconcile after the forthcoming All Progressives Congress primaries, irrespective of who emerges victorious.
The Vice-President said political contests should not be regarded as wars capable of turning former allies into permanent enemies.
He cited Tinubu’s conduct after the 2023 election as an example, saying the President reached out to governors who had opposed his presidential ambition.
“After the 2023 election, President Tinubu hugged and forgave all other northern governors that did not support him. That is a mark of a good leader,” Shettima said.
He also urged political office holders to exercise humility and focus on leaving behind positive legacies.
According to him, political power is temporary, and those who occupy public offices will eventually return to ordinary life.
“Power is given by God to the people He so wishes and not because they are better than other people,” he said.
Shettima also defended the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, saying the government decided to confront the challenges it inherited rather than spend its time blaming previous administrations.
He said the administration inherited about $3.9 billion in its coffers and was confronted with a difficult economic situation upon assuming office.
According to him, Tinubu nevertheless directed his economic team to proceed with its reform agenda.
The Vice-President said the President’s political style was partly influenced by former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as a politician who would not allow himself to be arm-twisted during political negotiations.
Shettima commended the Emir of Ilorin for honouring AbdulRazaq with the Sardauna title, saying the recognition would further strengthen the relationship between the governor’s family and the Ilorin Emirate.
He also acknowledged the contributions of AbdulRazaq’s late father to the emirate and the country.
The Vice-President commended the governor’s administration for its infrastructure projects and cooperation with federal government policies.
Earlier, Shettima inaugurated the Kwara State Revenue House on Ahmadu Bello Way and a garment factory in Ilorin as part of his activities in the state.
The Matawali of Ilorin Emirate, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, described the Sardauna title as well deserved and urged the governor to regard the honour as an added responsibility to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.
The ceremony attracted Niger State Governor Umar Bago, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.
Deputy governors from Sokoto, Anambra, Nasarawa, Delta, Ondo and Oyo states were also among dignitaries who attended the event.
