The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, named Kashim Shettima as his running mate.
Tinubu made the announcement on Sunday during a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina state.
The prospect of a Muslim/Muslim ticket has sparked outrage in some quarters, including within the ruling party.
Despite opposition, Tinubu chose Shettima as his running mate.
Shortly before Mr. Shettima’s announcement, Ibrahim Masari, who until then had served as a “placeholder” for the post of vice president, announced his retirement from the post.
Mr. Masari said that he decided to step down after consulting with Mr. Tinubu in a letter addressed to APC members.
The letter read: “This is to inform our esteemed party leaders under our able chairman Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Ret.), the many party members and the great people of Nigeria of the outcome of a crucial discussion. I just had with the flag bearer. of our great party, the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I had the unique honor and privilege of being nominated as Asiwaju Tinubu’s running mate last month after a hotly contested presidential primary ahead of the 2023 general election.
But, after much reflection and further consultation, I now wish to resign. I realized that my decision will allow Asiwaju more freedom to provide more accommodation and inclusion that will position our party to win the upcoming elections, with the support of the Nigerian people.
“By stepping down, I believe I can still serve our party and country in various other capacities.
“I wish to confirm that I have submitted my letter of withdrawal and affidavit to that effect as a candidate for Vice President of Asiwaju Bola TInubu in the upcoming elections.
“On behalf of myself and my 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 of him and the party.”
Mr. Tinubu’s campaign organization also confirmed Mr. Masari’s withdrawal.
In a statement issued by James Faleke, the campaign revealed that Masari transmitted the resignation letter from Saudi Arabia, where he performs the Hajj.
“This is to inform and confirm that Alhaji Ibrahim Masari stepped down as the vice-presidential candidate of APC’s standard-bearer in the 2023 presidential election, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Alhaji Masari has communicated his decision to us from Saudi Arabia, where he is currently performing the hajj.
“While we salute Alhaji Masari’s sacrifice, we believe this will give Asiwaju Tinubu an opportunity to make a decision that will further improve our great party’s chances in the 2023 election.
From Campaign DG to VP choice.
Mr. Shettima, who currently represents Borno Central in the Senate, served as Governor of Borno from 2011 to 2019.
He is from the same geopolitical area – the Northeast – as Atiku Abubakar, the candidate for the Peoples’ Democratic Party.
Mr. Shettima was one of the former Lagos State Governor’s early sponsors for the bid and served as Director General of the Tinubu Campaign Organisation.
In the run-up to the primary election, Shettima caused a stir when she said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is too nice to be a leader because nice people should be selling “ice cream.”
“Osinbajo is a good man. He is a good man. But good men are not good leaders. Good men should be selling popcorn and ice cream.”
However, he retracted the statement, noting that he was misquoted.
Aside from the Muslim/Muslim ticket issue, Mr. Tinubu faces questions about his health, academic qualifications, source of wealth, and allegations of corruption.
Despite these problems, Tinubu won the APC presidential primary in a landslide, defeating Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and several others.
Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Saturday, after spending 12 days in France on undisclosed business, fueling speculation the trip was medical.