Politics
The Politics And Tinubu’s Wishes To Shettima
By Yushau A. Shuaib
In a nation gripped by tension and political intrigue, even the simple act of celebrating birthdays and anniversaries of public figures often feels like a forgotten ritual. Yet, amid the noise of political realignments and verbal skirmishes—such as the recent fallout between former allies, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, over national security and 2027 permutations—came a moment of quiet significance: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally penned a heartfelt birthday tribute to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Was I surprised? Not entirely. For over a year, speculation has swirled about the true nature of the relationship between Tinubu, the former Lagos governor, and Shettima, the former Borno governor. Rumours of a frosty dynamic persisted despite Shettima’s pivotal role in Tinubu’s 2023 victory—mobilising Northern support and standing firm when many doubted Tinubu’s ambition.
Although both men maintained a façade of harmony, Shettima’s visibility gradually diminished. In my May 2024 article, “Tinubu’s Presidency: Where is Senator Shettima?” I expressed concern about his limited public role since inauguration. Once known as an ebullient and assertive leader who nurtured capable successors, Shettima appeared sidelined. Key responsibilities were centralised in Tinubu’s Lagos-based “kitchen cabinet,” leaving the Vice President without a clearly defined mandate. Agencies traditionally under his purview were reassigned, and even on Northern issues, his voice seemed muted.
I warned then that marginalising such a crucial ally could come at a political cost. I advised Tinubu to re-engage Shettima and disillusioned supporters to counter perceptions of “Yorubanisation” of power and to avoid alienating the coalition that brought him victory.
Adding to this unease are whispers that Shettima may not return as Tinubu’s running mate in 2027. The speculation is fraught with religious and regional sensitivities. Replacing him with another Muslim could provoke backlash—“Another Muslim again?”—while picking a Christian, especially of Yoruba descent, may spark discontent among Northern Muslims who already feel that Christians have secured more strategic appointments in security, economy, and governance.
In this delicate balancing act, Shettima remains, to many, the bridge. His Northern roots, moderate outlook, and political resilience give Tinubu balance in a country where ethno-religious considerations still define electoral outcomes.
Against this backdrop, Tinubu’s birthday message to Shettima on September 2, 2025, carried more than ceremonial weight—it was politically symbolic. The President lauded Shettima’s courage, loyalty, and tenacity, describing him as a partner whose fresh perspectives enrich governance. He tied their partnership to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to transform Nigeria through economic reforms, strategic partnerships, and improved social services.
Most striking was Tinubu’s closing remark: “Our relationship transcends official duties. It is a bridge across regions and traditions, united in purpose and service. You remind us of what is possible when Nigeria comes first—an example worthy of emulation by those who aspire to lead.”
If sincere, this signals a potential reset—a reaffirmation of unity and mutual respect between both leaders. It offers hope for political stability and a more inclusive governance approach.
The endorsement could reset perceptions, calm speculation, and solidify Shettima’s place in the coalition ahead of 2027. For the Vice President, it is also an opportunity to reclaim his old ebullience, project leadership beyond symbolic appearances, and assert his relevance as a loyal ally in Tinubu’s administration.
As I join in wishing Vice President Shettima a happy birthday, I also hope this moment marks the start of a renewed partnership—one that embodies the spirit of national cohesion and shared purpose that Nigeria so desperately needs. Because in a country as fragile as ours, unity at the highest level is not just desirable—it is indispensable.
Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of “Award-Winning Crisis Communication Strategies.”
www.YAShuaib.com | yashuaib@yashuaib.com
About The Author
The Katsina State Commissioner for Environment, Hamza Sule-Faskari, has resigned to contest for the Funtua Senatorial seat.
The decision was in compliance with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for public office holders intending to contest in the 2027 elections.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the electoral body has directed all public office holders intending to contest to resign their positions on or before March 31, 2026.
Sule-Faskari announced his decision on Monday in Katsina when he visited the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, to formally submit his resignation letter.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, for the opportunity to serve the people as a commissioner.
The former commissioner also reaffirmed his commitment to remain loyal and continue supporting the governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sule-Faskari further thanked the people of Katsina State for the support and cooperation they have given him during his tenure as commissioner.
NAN
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The concerned stakeholders and committed members of All Progressives Congress, APC in Demsa, Numan and Lamurde Local Government Areas of Adamawa have warned against factional politics for the unity and progress of the party in the state.
The stakeholders made the call during a joint press conference in Numan, led by Mr Paul Zidon, describing the recent defection of Gov Ahmadu Fintiri and his teaming supporters through due process to APC as welcome development.
He equally condemned the process followed by Hon. Kwamoti Laori, Member House of Representative for violating the due process.
According to him, Laori sidelined the duly recognized Local Government Executive Committee that represents the backbone of the party but selected three wards executive members each from Demsa, Numan and Lamurde to work with.
“This singular action is unacceptable. It undermines party structures, disrespects loyal members, and risks introducing dangerous factional politics into a party that our people have worked tirelessly to build.
“Let us be clear: APC in Numan, Demsa, and Lamurde is not a private political project belonging to a few individuals. It is a collective movement belonging to the people.
“Any attempt to bypass party structures, ignore elected executives, and create parallel political arrangements will only breed division and disunity.
“And we say today with one voice: “We reject factional politics. We stand for unity. We stand for party supremacy”, he said.
According to him, the strength of the APC lies not in individuals, but in the collective will of its members.
Zidon called on all party faithful to remain calm, united, and committed to the principles that brought them together-the shared vision of building a stronger Adamawa State and a better Nigeria under the APC.
The group appreciated the National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu and other stakeholders for his sacrifice and effort put in stabilizing the party and ensuring the realignment with defectors in the state.
“We wish to also use this opportunity to sincerely appreciate the visionary leadership of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda continues to inspire millions of Nigerians and strengthen the foundation of the APC across the country” he said.
Mr Simon Ismael one of the stakeholder described the act as violation of the constitutional provision and urged the party to section ward executive that partake in violation of the due process.
All efforts to reach Laori to comment on the allegation label against him probe abortive.
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The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Rep. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, has distributed 13 buses to tertiary institutions in Kano State to enhance teaching, learning and institutional mobility.
The buses were presented to selected universities, colleges of education, polytechnics and secondary institutions to ease transportation challenges faced by staff and students during academic, administrative and extracurricular activities.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Bichi said the intervention was aimed at supporting educational institutions to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
According to him, education remains the bedrock of development and requires sustained support to thrive.
“Providing these buses is our modest contribution towards creating an enabling environment for learning and academic excellence in Kano State,” he said.
Bichi, who represents Bichi Federal Constituency, noted that the initiative aligned with his commitment to attracting meaningful interventions to the education sector through his legislative responsibilities.
“As Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I consider it a duty to ensure that institutions in Kano State benefit from opportunities that enhance their capacity,” he added.
Details of the distribution showed that Bayero University, Kano; Northwest University, Kano; and Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, each received two buses, while the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, also received two buses.
Other beneficiaries include Yusuf Maitama Sule University of Education, Kano; Kano State Polytechnic; Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education; Ibrahim Ayagi Science Secondary School, Dawakin Tofa; and Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies, which each received one bus.
Representatives of the beneficiary institutions expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful.
One of the officials said the buses would significantly reduce transportation challenges and support academic fieldwork, student movement and official engagements.
Stakeholders described the distribution as a demonstration of the dividends of democracy and called for sustained collaboration between lawmakers and educational institutions to further strengthen education in Kano State.
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