Tinubu has forgiven Northern governors who opposed him, says Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima said President Bola Tinubu showed political maturity by forgiving northern governors who did not support him in the 2023 election. He urged politicians in Kwara State to also make peace after their elections.

Shettima made this statement on Wednesday in Ilorin during the turbaning of Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

Speaking about the upcoming 2027 elections, Shettima asked politicians to see political contests as temporary. He said they should not let disagreements from these contests create permanent divisions.

He said, "I call on all of us to unite in this political season and play politics without bitterness. The truth that sets us free is also the truth that people don’t want to hear."

Shettima talked about the challenges Tinubu faced during the 2023 presidential election. He noted that Tinubu continued his campaign despite limited support from northern governors.

"You all know that we have 19 states in the North. Out of these, only six actually believed and supported Tinubu, but Tinubu refused to be deterred. He was able to cross the road," he said.

The Vice President mentioned that some northern political figures believed former President Muhammadu Buhari did not support Tinubu’s ambition, complicating the situation.

He recalled the slogan, "Baba bayan sunshi," which suggested that Buhari did not want Tinubu to succeed him as President.

Despite this, Shettima said Tinubu stayed focused and won the presidential election. He added that Tinubu later reached out to those who opposed him.

"After the 2023 election, President Tinubu hugged and forgave all other northern governors that did not support him. That is a mark of a good leader," the VP said.

Shettima urged politicians in Kwara, especially those in the current political race, to learn from Tinubu’s example by setting aside their differences after the elections.

His call comes as there are disagreements within the Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress after the party’s governorship primary. Some unhappy aspirants and their supporters formed a group called the G-15.

The Vice President also reminded politicians that political power is temporary. He said it should be used with humility, responsibility, and a sense of service.

"As public office holders, we spend more of our lives outside public offices than we do in public offices. Let us embrace each other, let us have the courage to serve with humility," Shettima said.

He added that having a political office does not mean one is better than others. It is an opportunity given by God and the people.

"We are in power not because of our pedigree, intellect, ability or physical build, but by destiny. What brings us together supersedes what separates us," he stated.

Shettima praised Tinubu for addressing the economic issues his administration faced. He said the President chose to tackle the problems instead of blaming the previous government.

He said the administration inherited a struggling economy but the economic team has been working hard to improve the situation.

"The economic team forged ahead to turn the economy around; today, Nigeria is better for it," the Vice President said.

Shettima described Tinubu as a decent leader who trusts his team. He expressed happiness to serve as the President’s deputy.

The Vice President also congratulated the Emir of Ilorin for honoring AbdulRazaq with the Sardauna title. He said the governor's father left a lasting legacy in the Ilorin Emirate and beyond.

He mentioned that this title would strengthen the bond between the governor’s family and the emirate and urged AbdulRazaq to keep contributing to Kwara State’s development.

Earlier, the Vice President opened the state’s Revenue House on Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin, and also visited the garment factory in the state capital.