Gift Wada
Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate for 2023 poll, says he decided to pick Sen. Kashim Shettima as his running mate, because he possessed one of the best credentials for the election.
Tinubu also argued that late presidential candidate, MKO Abiola also picked a fellow Muslim in what he described as one of the fairest elections in the country.
Tinubu announced Shettima as his running mate in a letter personally signed on Sunday in Daura, when he paid Sallah homage on President Muhammadu Buhari.
Shettima 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, 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.
He added: ”If we truly understood the challenges upon us 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.”