2023: Tinubu explains why he picked Kashim Shettima as his Vice-Presidential running mate
Sen. Bola Tinubu, All Progressives Congress (APC) 2023 presidential candidate has explained that he picked Sen. Kashim Shettima, a former two-term governor of Borno as his Vice-Presidential running mate because he is eminently qualified to deliver electoral victory.
The former two-term governor of Lagos State and one of APC’s leaders announced his choice of Shettima in a letter he personally signed on Sunday in Daura, Kastina, where he had gone to pay Sallah homage on President Muhammadu Buhari.
Newsatlarge reports that Shettima born on September 2, 1966, is a currently representing Borno Central in the Senate.
“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.
“Sen. Shettima’s career in politics and beyond shows that he is eminently qualified not only to deliver that all important electoral victory, but, also, 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 focus on a particular detail, the question of his faith,” Tinubu said.
He explained that if we truly understood the challenges upon us a country, we must also see the imperative of placing competence in governance above religious sentiments.
He recalled that 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.
According to Tinubu, 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.
He further added that 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.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu added that as we entered a moment of renewed hope, we had the chance to move the nation and our collective cause forward as never before.
He, therefore, advised that we seize the moment so that history may write kindly of us.
He said that it was 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.
Tinubu advised that together, we must end poverty and bring greater prosperity and more lasting peace, adding that we should be wise of thought yet courageous in action.
“As we embark on a collective enterprise that brings jobs, education, food, medicine, hope and belief in a better life to those who need them.
“I stand ready to begin this journey with you, hopefully, to lead the nation on this needed path as your next president by the grace of God.
“I believe this is a pivotal moment at which the dynamics of history and destiny call us forth to reshape our beloved nation, this is our moment,”Tinubu stressed.
He added that since he became APC 2023 presidential candidate, he had been in touch with Nigerians from all walks of life who had demonstrated their faith in his capacity to lead the country.
He expressed appreciation for the outpourings of support, adding that they revealed to him the hope Nigerians hold for the country’s greatness.
The former two-term governor of Lagos State assured that as long as we walked together and worked together, we shall arrive at our national greatness together.
“To this glad and great endeavour, I fully devote myself and my future labour.
“In full compliance with existing law and regulation, I submitted all necessary documents regarding my nomination as the APC presidential candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” he said.
He added that as was expected, the choice of his Vice-Presidential running mate remained an open and burning question which gave rise to much speculation and debate.
He added that he had never been an indecisive man and had no present intention to become one.
“What I am, however, is a democrat, and a democrat must listen to, and consult with the people and his advisors so that he may reform and govern wisely and on their behalf.
“This I have done, my political career was not built on blind indifference to the views of others.
“I appreciate the perspectives of leading members of the party, political allies and key national figures who see Nigeria’s future as I do. They gave me their views.
“So that I might add their valuable insights to mine to reach the best decision possible and do so in a manner that strengthens the institutional fabric of our party as well as accelerating the evolution of our political democracy,” Tinubu said.(https//newsatlarge.ng)