The Presidential candidate of Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress APC, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, says he remains steadfast in his belief that Senator Kashim Shettima is the best choice for him as a running mate to lead Nigeria.
Senator Tinubu stated this at the unveiling of Senator Kashim Shettima as the APC Vice-Presidential Candidate at an event in Abuja.
His statement comes amid calls of dissatisfaction by Nigerians and even Tinubu’s supporters, who are not satisfied with his choice of a fellow Muslim as his running mate.
The APC Presidential Flag bearer said he believes Senator Shettima’s experience and competence make him the best choice.
“I remain steadfast in my belief in the selection of Senator Shettima. I am unwavering in my belief that I am the best person to run for office and, hopefully, govern by my side.
“All my life, my decisions regarding the team around and support have been guided by the principles of competence, innovation, compassion, integrity, fairness, and adherence to excellence.
“In politics, these principles are sacrosanct. Without them there can be neither victory nor good governance. I seek both,” Tinubu said.
He further stressed for Nigerians to understate the differences that divide them and think of one Nigeria.
Senator Tinubu urged Nigerians to look to his party for hope, assurance, and security.
He added that he intends to bring leadership that will move Nigeria forward.
“This is where politics must end, and leadership must begin. We do not ground authentic leadership in religion, populism, or sentiment. We must break free of old binds to forge ahead as a nation toward development and prosperity.
“We must win this election so that we can bring jobs, education, food, medicine, hope, and belief in a better life to the people of this country,” Tinubu said.
Speaking at the event, the APC Vice-Presidential Candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima, appreciated APC stakeholders for accepting him as the Running mate to Tinubu.
“I’m not unaware of the complex political arithmetic that produced this moment, especially the understanding of our great party’s stakeholders and supporters across religions, regions, and ethnicities. Their resolve to settle for this ticket is a testament to their faith in us.
“This ticket isn’t an imposition; it’s an outcome of democracy at its practical best and based on the aggregation of the ideas and insights of our great party’s stakeholders.
“If this were an unpopular option, as the cast of partisan provocateurs has attempted to paint, there wouldn’t have been the tonnes of goodwill messages, especially from distinguished Christians, from all over the country.
“This ticket is a Nigerian project, not a sectional agenda, that the frightened camps have been struggling to sensationalise,” Shettima said.
Senator Shettima promised to live up to the hope and expectations of the people.
S.O
