By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has revealed that only six of the 19 northern governors supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2023 presidential bid. 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.
Shettima Recalls Tinubu’s 2023 Presidential Contest
Shettima said Tinubu faced intense political competition during the 2023 presidential election.
However, he said the opposition did not stop Tinubu from pursuing his ambition.
According to him, only six northern governors supported Tinubu during the election.
Shettima identified former Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq among those supporters.
He avoided naming the other governors to prevent controversy.
“You all know that we have 19 states in the North. Out of these, only six actually believed and supported Tinubu,” Shettima said.
He added that Tinubu remained determined despite the political obstacles.
The Vice-President said the President’s resilience helped him overcome the challenges surrounding his campaign.
Tinubu Reached Out After 2023 Election
Shettima also highlighted Tinubu’s approach toward political rivals after the election.
He said political competition should not create permanent enemies among former allies.
According to Shettima, Tinubu reached out to northern 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,” he said.
Shettima described the gesture as an example of leadership.
He urged politicians to maintain relationships even after intense political contests.
Shettima Urges Politicians to Reconcile
The Vice-President urged politicians to avoid treating political contests as permanent battles.
He particularly appealed to politicians in Kwara to embrace reconciliation after the APC primaries.
Shettima said politicians should accept election outcomes and continue working together.
He also called on Nigerians in public office to serve with humility.
According to him, political positions remain temporary.
He noted that officeholders would eventually return to ordinary life after leaving power.
Political Power Comes From God, Shettima Says
Shettima also urged political leaders to remember the temporary nature of authority.
He said political power ultimately comes from God.
“Power is given by God to the people He so wishes and not because they are better than other people,” he said.
Therefore, he urged public officials to use their positions responsibly.
He said leaders should focus on serving citizens and building positive legacies.
Shettima Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
The Vice-President also defended the Tinubu administration’s handling of Nigeria’s economic challenges.
He said the government chose to address inherited problems rather than focus on blame.
According to Shettima, the administration inherited about $3.9 billion in its coffers.
He said the country also faced serious economic difficulties when Tinubu assumed office.
Despite the challenges, Shettima said Tinubu remained committed to economic reforms.
He added that the President directed his economic team to continue with its reform programme.
Shettima also linked Tinubu’s political approach to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He described Buhari as a politician who resisted pressure during political negotiations.
Emir of Ilorin Honours AbdulRazaq
Shettima commended the Emir of Ilorin for conferring the Sardauna title on AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
He said the honour would strengthen ties between the governor’s family and the Ilorin Emirate.
The Vice-President also acknowledged the contributions of AbdulRazaq’s late father.
He said the late AbdulRazaq contributed to the Ilorin Emirate and Nigeria.
Shettima further praised the governor’s administration for its infrastructure projects.
He also commended AbdulRazaq for supporting federal government policies.
Shettima Inaugurates Projects in Kwara
Earlier, Shettima inaugurated the Kwara State Revenue House on Ahmadu Bello Way.
He also inaugurated a garment factory in Ilorin during his visit to the state.
The projects formed part of the Vice-President’s activities in Kwara.
Meanwhile, the Matawali of Ilorin Emirate, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, described the Sardauna title as well deserved.
He urged the governor to view the honour as an added responsibility.
AbdulRazaq also encouraged the governor to deliver more democratic dividends across Kwara State.
Dignitaries Attend Turbaning Ceremony
The ceremony attracted several senior government officials and traditional leaders.
They included Niger State Governor Umar Bago and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma also attended the event.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, was also present.
Deputy governors from several states attended the ceremony as well.
They included Sokoto, Anambra, Nasarawa, Delta, Ondo and Oyo states.
