Update: Tinubu Announces New Running Mate After Masari Stepped Down

The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has named Kashim Shettima as his running mate.

Mr Tinubu made the announcement on Sunday while on a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State.

The prospect of a Muslim/Muslim ticket has generated outrage from some quarters, even within the ruling party.

Despite the opposition, Mr Tinubu chose Mr Shettima as his running mate.

Shortly before the announcement of Mr Shettima, Ibrahim Masari, who had hitherto served as a ‘placeholder’ for the VP slot, announced his withdrawal from the position.

Update: Tinubu Announces New Running Mate After Masari Stepped Down

Mr Masari said he decided to withdraw from the position after he had a consultation with Mr Tinubu in a letter addressed to APC members.

The letter read: “This is to inform our esteemed party leaders under our able President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), teeming party members and the great people of Nigeria, of the outcome of a crucial discussion I just had with the flagbearer of our great party, the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“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 election.

But, after much reflection and wider consultations, I now wish to step down. I realised 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.

“I wish to confirm that I have submitted my withdrawal letter and affidavit to that effect as the vice-presidential candidate to Asiwaju Bola 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 campaign organisation of Mr Tinubu also confirmed the withdrawal of Mr Masari.

In a statement released by James Faleke, the campaign disclosed that Mr Masari transmitted the resignation letter from Saudi Arabia, where he is performing Hajj.

“This is to inform and confirm that Alhaji Ibrahim Masari has stepped down as Vice Presidential nominee to the flag-bearer of APC in the 2023 presidential elections, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Alhaji Masari has communicated his decision to us from Saudi Arabia where he is presently performing the hajj.

“While saluting Alhaji Masari’s sacrifice, we believe this will give Asiwaju Tinubu an opportunity to take a decision that will further enhance the chances of our great party in the 2023 elections.
Shettima is an outspoken Muslim politician from the Kanuri tribe from Borno State.

In 1993, he moved into the banking sector and was employed by (now defunct) Commercial Bank of Africa Limited as head of accounts unit at the bank’s office in Ikeja, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria. Shettima was there from 1993 to 1997.

He was born in Maiduguri on September 2, 1966.

Kashim attended Lamisula Primary School in Maiduguri from 1972 to 1978; Government Community Secondary School, Biu in southern part of Borno State from 1978 to 1980; transferred to Government Science Secondary School, Potiskum (now in neighbouring Yobe State) where he completed his secondary education in 1983.

He studied at the University of Maiduguri and earned a Degree (BSc) in Agricultural Economics in 1989.

He obtained a Master’s degree (MSc) in Agricultural Economics in 1991 at the University of Ibadan in Southwest, Nigeria. Shettima joined the University of Maiduguri as a Lecturer with the Department of Agricultural Economics and was in the academia from 1991 to 1993.

From 2007 to 2011, he served as Commissioner in five ministries.

He was Commissioner of Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs (2008), Education (2009), Agriculture and Natural Resources and finally to the Ministry of Health from where he contested the Governorship in 2011 which he won under the platform of the now defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party and was inaugurated on May 29, 2011.

He won reelection in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress and was chosen as Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, an umbrella body of Governors in the 19 States located in northern Nigeria.

By Iyabo Aina

Publisher News Rain Nigeria