Tinubu gives reason for picking Shettima as running mate
The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate for the 2023 election, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, says he decided to pick Sen. Kashim Shettima as his running mate because he possessed one of the best credentials for the election.
Tinubu announced Shettima as his running mate in a letter personally signed on Sunday in Daura, when he paid Sallah homage to President Muhammadu Buhari.
It was gathered that Shettima was born on Sept. 2, 1966, and currently represents Borno Central at the National Assembly.
“Today I announce the selection of Sen. Kashim Shettima as my partner and running mate in the mission to advance and reclaim the fortunes of this great country and the hopes of its people.
“Shettima’s career in politics and beyond shows that he is eminently qualified not only to deliver that all-important electoral victory but, also, to step into the shoes of the Vice-President.
“As a man with the talent, maturity, strength of character, and patriotism, he has my implicit confidence and faith.
“I am aware that many will continue to focus on a particular detail, the question of his faith,” Tinubu said.
He added: “If we truly understood the challenges upon us as a country, we must also see the imperative of placing competence in governance above religious sentiments.
“In 1993, Nigerians embrace Chief MKO Abiola and a fellow Muslim running mate, Baba Gana Kingibe in one of the country’s fairest elections ever held.
“The spirit of 1993 is upon us again in 2023, adding that the ticket the APC is presenting, represents a milestone in the country’s political history.
“The ticket symbolises the party’s determination to be a leading light among political parties in Africa.
“The democratic process and the decorum that characterised our presidential primaries and the selection of our Vice-Presidential candidate exemplifies why we are the party of the people and of the betterment of their future.”
Tinubu said that the choice of Shettima would further brighten the APC chances at the poll.
“With this selection, the APC surely shall continue to be the party that shows the way and carries this nation towards its best future.
“I implore you all to join me on this journey to a brighter future, as we enter a moment of renewed hope, we have the chance to move the nation and our collective cause forward as never before.
“We seize the moment so that history may write kindly of us, it is time to focus with utmost devotion and love of country to do all we could to advance the ideals of democratic and progressive good governance in the land,” he said.