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
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Former member of the House of Representatives, Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada, has declared his intention to contest the Kano Central Senatorial District seat, urging the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure free and fair primaries.
Sharada, who represented Kano Municipal Federal Constituency in the immediate past National Assembly, made the appeal on Thursday when he visited the APC State Secretariat in Kano to formally announce his ambition.
“I appeal to the national leadership of our great party to, for the sake of Allah (SWT) and His Prophet Muhammad (SAW), ensure fair play in our forthcoming primary election,” he said, drawing loud applause from his supporters.
Popularly known as Dan Karamin Sauro (small mosquito), Sharada said his decision was driven by a desire to contribute to the growth and development of Kano Central, leveraging his legislative experience and political connections.
“By the grace of Allah (SWT), I will be the next Senator to represent Kano Central in the National Assembly, and I promise that I will not fail my constituents,” he pledged.
He also assured of his commitment to strengthening the APC and supporting the re-election of President Bola Tinubu alongside Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to sustain ongoing developmental programmes.
Welcoming the aspirant, APC State Chairman, Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa, described Sharada as a grassroots politician who had consistently worked for the progress of his people.
Doguwa further assured that the party would provide a level playing field for all aspirants in the forthcoming primaries.
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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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