Kashim Shettima is Bola Tinubu’s confirmed running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
Mr. Tinubu made the declaration after his meeting with President Buhari on Sunday in Daura.
The pick of Mr. Tinubu supported long-standing rumors that he was considering a Muslim as his running mate, a move that may upset the country’s religious balance in the highest governmental positions.
Ibrahim Masari, Mr. Tinubu’s pretend candidate, resigned from the ticket earlier in accordance with the arrangement:
”This is to inform our esteemed party leaders under our able President Muhammadu Buhari, teeming party members and the great people of Nigeria, of the outcome of a crucial discussion I just had with the flag-bearer of our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
”Recall that I had the singular honour and privilege of being nominated as the running-mate to Asiwaju Tinubu last month after a keenly contested presidential primary ahead of the 2023 general elections.
”But, after much reflection and wider consultations, I now wish to step down. I realized that my decision will enable Asiwaju to have more latitude to give more accommodation and inclusion that will position our party to win the coming elections, with the support of the people of Nigeria.
”In stepping down, I believe I can still serve our party and the country in several other capacities,” Mr Masari said in a statement.
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Mr. Masari went on to say that he had subsequently given Bola Tinubu a letter of withdrawal from consideration for vice president in the upcoming election.
”I wish to confirm that I have submitted my withdrawal letter and affidavit to that effect as the Vice-Presidential Candidate to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the coming elections.
”On behalf of myself and family, I wish to sincerely thank Asiwaju Tinubu — the Incoming President, Insha Allah — for his trust in me and we promise to remain steadfast in our support for him and the party.”
The former governor of the Boko Haram-devastated North-East, Mr. Shettima, was Mr. Tinubu’s choice, marking the first time since 1993 that a major party ticket would feature Muslims as both the presidential candidate and the running mate.
In the past, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) expressed concern that Mr. Tinubu may bring about a catastrophe if he chose a Muslim as his running mate. The Christian organization argued that a ruling party ticket should honor Nigeria’s diversity, which includes nearly equal numbers of Christians and Muslims.
