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 Kano State House of Assembly has expressed concern over what it described as injustice and regional imbalance in the ongoing recruitment exercise conducted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The lawmakers alleged that the process heavily favoured states from the southern part of the country, particularly the South-West region, at the expense of the North.
The concern followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Majority Leader, Alhaji Lawan Hussaini Dala, during Thursday’s plenary session.
Presenting the motion, Dala said the recruitment exercise violated the principles of Federal Character meant to ensure equity and fair representation in federal employment.
He said that out of a total of 1,785 persons recruited nationwide, the South-West received more than half of the total slots, describing the distribution as “grossly unfair and unacceptable.”
According to him, Lagos got 207 slots, Ogun 145, Ondo 132, Osun 127, Oyo 108 and Ekiti 93 — making a total of 812 recruits from the South-West alone.
“In comparison, the North-West received only about seven per cent of the total recruitment, with Kano getting 31, Katsina 20, Jigawa 18 and Zamfara 16,” he said.
Dala said the entire northern region got only 651 slots, while the majority were allotted to southern states.
He called on the House to officially communicate its position to relevant federal authorities, including the National Assembly, the Federal Character Commission (FCC) and the Nigeria Customs Service, to demand a review of the exercise in the interest of fairness and inclusivity.
The Majority Leader warned that continued regional imbalance in federal employment could fuel mistrust and threaten national unity.
Other members who contributed to the debate supported the motion and urged northern lawmakers at the National Assembly to take up the matter for redress.
They stressed that equitable representation in federal recruitment remained vital to sustaining Nigeria’s unity and promoting a sense of belonging among citizens.
In his ruling, the Speaker, Alhaji Jibril Ismail Falgore, commended Dala for raising the motion, describing it as patriotic and in defence of justice and fairness.
He directed the relevant House Committee to investigate the recruitment figures and report back for further legislative action.
About The Author
500 NNPP supporters defect to APC in Kano
Defection
Kano, Five hundreds of members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) from Fagge and Ungogo Local Government Areas of Kano State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Managing Director of the Hadejia-Jam’are River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, received the defectors on Tuesday, saying their move reflects growing confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and APC’s progressive vision.
Bichi noted APC’s development-oriented policies were attracting Nigerians, citing defection of some governors as testament to the party’s strength.
He assured new members of equal opportunity and integration into APC, saying no member would be marginalized.
Bichi highlighted APC-led government’s visionary policies on food security and economic growth, noting Hadejia-Jam’are River Basin’s modern irrigation techniques align with Tinubu’s food security agenda.
Former APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, represented by Kano APC Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, commended defectors for joining APC, assuring them of sustainable development commitment.
Kano Central APC Chairman Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Ungogo said Tinubu’s policies had boosted Nigeria’s economy, restoring public confidence in APC.
Defectors cited APC’s developmental strides and commitment to improving Nigerians’ lives as reasons for their move, expressing optimism it would enhance party’s grassroots strength ¹ ² ³.
About The Author
MD Hadejia-Jam’are River Basin Welcomes Hundreds of NNPP Members into APC
By Ahmed Mohammad Kano
The Managing Director of the Hadejia-Jam’are River Basin Development Authority, Eng.Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, on Tuesday received hundreds of defectors from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Fagge and Ungogo Local Government Areas of Kano State.
Speaking at the reception ceremony, Bichi said the mass defection was a clear indication of the growing confidence Nigerians have in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the progressive vision of the APC.
He noted that Nigerians were increasingly embracing the party due to its development-oriented policies, adding that the recent defection of some state governors to the APC was further proof of the party’s strength and national appeal.
Bichi assured the new members of equal opportunity and full integration into the party, stating that no member would be marginalized.
He said the APC-led Federal Government had introduced visionary policies aimed at uplifting the welfare of citizens, particularly in areas of food security and economic growth.
Highlighting the contributions of the Hadejia-Jam’are River Basin Development Authority, the Managing Director revealed that modern irrigation techniques have been introduced in line with President Tinubu’s food security agenda and efforts to boost agricultural productivity.
In a goodwill message, the immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, represented by the Kano State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, commended the defectors for their decision to join the ruling party.
He assured them that they would not regret their decision, as the APC remains committed to delivering sustainable development across the country.
Also speaking, the Kano Central APC Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Ungogo, who represented Abbas, said President Tinubu’s policies had significantly boosted the nation’s economy, thereby restoring public confidence in the APC.
Some of the defectors, while speaking to journalists, said their decision was influenced by the developmental strides of the APC-led government and the party’s commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
They expressed optimism that their defection would contribute to the party’s grassroots strength and overall success in future elections.
About The Author
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