By The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has defended his selection of Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2023 elections.
It would be recalled that Tinubu had been under intense pressure over his choice of a running mate, as it became obvious that he might settle for a Muslim Northerner to bolster his chances of winning the polls.
However, prominent Christian groups and stakeholders including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had kicked against such move, describing a Muslim-Muslim ticket as an attempt to fuel religious tensions in the country.
In a rather interesting development, Tinubu announced Shettima, a former Borno State governor and fellow Muslim, as the APC vice-presidential candidate, on Sunday.
In a statement where he confirmed the move, the former Lagos governor argued that his choice had no religious underpinnings, describing Shettima as “the man who can help me bring the best governance to all Nigerians”.
“May I say this to all of you, especially to those who will be disappointed in my selection based on religious considerations. I will not and cannot ignore the religious concerns and ethnic sensitivities of our people. Taking them into due consideration is an important part of good and able governance,” he said.
“But religion, ethnicity and region cannot always and fully determine our path. To forge ahead as a nation toward development and prosperity, we must break free of old binds.”
The APC flagbearer said Shettima’s career in politics and beyond shows that “he is eminently qualified not only to deliver that all important electoral victory”.
Tinubu added, “I am aware that many will continue focus on a particular detail, the question of his faith. However, if we truly understand the challenges upon us a nation, then we must also see the imperative of placing competence in governance above religious sentiment.
“In 1993, Nigerians embrace Chief MKO Abiola and a fellow Muslim running mate, Baba Gana Kingibe in one of our fairest elections ever held. The spirit of 1993 is upon us again in 2023.”
