The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, described as excellent the choice of kashim shetima as the running mate of Bola Tinubu, the ruling candidate All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr. Lawan, speaking on behalf of the APC Northeast Caucus, introduced Mr. Shettima as someone with “impeccable credentials”, which he has honed by displaying great competence, integrity and courage in all the positions he has held.
The former Borno state governor is a loyal and committed member of the APC and has what it takes to be an excellent running mate, he said in a statement on Monday.
PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr. Tinubu on Sunday in Daura, Katsina State, announced Mr. Shettima, who is also a sitting senator, as his running mate.
His appointment of a fellow Muslim as his running mate has drawn mixed reactions across the country.
Before the announcement, many Nigerians, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), had warned all political parties not to have presidential ballots where the candidate and running mate were of the same religion.
Tinubu, however, argued that “religion, ethnicity and region cannot always and completely determine our path.”
He said that his choice of Mr. Shettima does not mean that he is insensitive to the religious concerns of many people.
He added that he chose Kashim Shettima as his running mate because he believes he is the man who can help bring the best governance to all Nigerians.
Although Mr. Lawan ran against Mr. Tinubu for the party’s presidential nomination, he now believes in and supports the candidacies of Messrs. Tinubu and Shettima.
In his statement, he (and the caucus) pledged full cooperation and support for the candidates.
A visionary, detribalized
Along the same lines, Senate Vice President Ovie Omo-Agege congratulated Mr. Shettima describing him as detribalized and visionary, and a huge asset to the APC presidential bid.
Mr. Omo-Agege is currently the APC gubernatorial candidate for Delta State.
His comment was contained in a statement by Ima Niboro, Director of Communications and Media Strategy for the Government Campaign Organization Delta APC.
While recalling how Mr. Shettima played a key role in his own emergence as Vice President of the Senate in 2019, he said the senator is a big-hearted and forward-thinking leader, inclusive in outlook and stripped of all bigotry and hospitable to other religions.
Different reactions continue after the election of the candidate for the vice presidency of APC.
While many describe it as unfair and dangerous to the nation, others believe it was done in the best interest.
New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso also praised Shettima’s election.
“I am happy with the combination (Muslim-Muslim ticket). My only concern is the platform. Bola Tinubu is a strategist and a good man. I have sat down with him countless times from 1992 to date,” said Kwankwaso.