•To Emerge TINUBU's Running Mate
It’s
been just about a week now that the presidential flag bearer of the APC,
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu stunned political observers when he went ahead to
pick his running mate, former Governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim
Shettiima, ignoring massive calls for him to pick a Christian as running mate.
But unknown to many, the choice of Kashim Shettima was not originally what
Asiwaju wanted. Details have emerged on how the presidential candidate of the
All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, was left with no choice but to pick
Shettima when the party’s agreed choice Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, refused
the offer,
Asiwaju
had been put under immense pressure before he finally made his choice and went
public with it. There was pressure from both the North–East and North-West
governors. According to information available to City People, it was gathered
that some governors preferred the Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu and his
Kaduna State counterpart, Nasir El-Rufai, but Tinubu initially offered the
ticket to the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum.
It
was learnt that one of the reasons for the prolonged delay in selecting a
running mate was the refusal of Zulum to accept Tinubu’s offer. A Lawmaker
close to the APC flag bearer and friend of City People revealed that Tinubu had
offered Zulum the ticket on a silver platter but he refused to take it.
An
associate of Tinubu who wished to remain anonymous, said, “Based on wide
consultations as well as a survey, Zulum was the most popular option. Zulum is
young, dynamic and loved by the youths. His courageous fight against insurgency
has also put him in good stead to fill the position of the party’s vice
presidential candidate. He was repeatedly offered the ticket but he turned it
down for two main reasons. The first was that he was eager to complete his
tenure as governor of Borno State and implement his reconstruction programme.
“But,
most importantly, his loyalty to Shettima was also the major factor. Zulum was
Shettima’s commissioner when he handpicked him as his successor in 2019. They
have maintained an extremely close relationship ever since which is rare
between governors and their predecessors. Zulum finally stated that he would
only accept the VP slot if Shettima asked him to take it. No matter how much
pressure was put on him, despite calls from top leaders close to the national
leader, Bola Tinubu, Zulum respectfully stood his ground. He insisted his
former governor and leader and mentor, Shettima, must be part of the process
of his selection. But it was difficult for Tinubu’s men to ask Shettima to
plead with Zulum to take the job when it was obvious that Shettima also wanted
the job. With INEC’s deadline fast approaching, Shettima became the sure
option.” And it must be said that
Shettima’s loyalty to Tinubu has never been in doubt. They have been allies for
many years, long before now. Asiwaju has been part of Shettima’s political
journey and a great supporter of his aspirations. So, it was easy to settle for
him.
Earlier
last week, the six North-West governors who are members of the All Progressives
Congress had met with a view to ensuring that Tinubu picks one of them as a
running mate. One of the governors, who was said to have been interested in the
position was Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State who is one of the biggest advocates
of the Muslim-Muslim ticket having successfully implemented it in his state.
However,
El-Rufai’s frosty relationship with the Christian community was said to have
discouraged Tinubu. Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State could also not be
considered despite his closeness to Tinubu because of the party crisis in his
state that had contributed to the popularity of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and the
New Nigeria Peoples Party. And as it is now, it is still uncertain if Ghanduje
can deliver Kano State to Asiwaju come next year’s presidential elections.
It
was learnt that associates of Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, who is
also the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, had reached out to Tinubu
with a view to ensuring that he gets the ticket since he is the only northern
Christian Governor in the APC.
However,
Lalong’s popularity in the North was said not to be strong enough to boost
Tinubu’s chances. Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Tinubu revealed
that he had picked Shettima as his running mate, adding that he had not
informed the former governor of his decision. In a later statement signed by
his Campaign Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the APC candidate said he was aware of
Shettima’s religion. However, he decided to pick him still because the task of
rebuilding Nigeria was beyond religious affiliation.
He
reassured Nigerians that his selection was not based on religion nor taken to
please certain individuals, communities and organisations.
The
ex-governor said, “I am mindful of the energetic discourse concerning the
possible religion of my running mate. Just and noble people have talked to me
about this. Some have counselled that I should select a Christian to please the
Christian community. Others have said I should pick a Muslim to appeal to the
Muslim community. Clearly, I cannot do both.
“Both
sides of the debate have impressive reasons and passionate arguments supporting
their positions. Both arguments are right in their own way. But neither is
right in the way that Nigeria needs at the moment. As President, I hope to
govern this nation toward uncommon progress. This will require innovation. It
will require steps never before taken. It will also require decisions that are
politically difficult and rare.”
Shortly
before Tinubu’s declaration, Ibrahim Masari, the APC chieftain who had stood as
a surrogate running mate, announced his decision to step aside.
Masari,
the surrogate running mate, stepped aside to pave the way for the name of the
substantive running mate to be submitted to the Independent National Electoral
Commission within five days of the deadline.
-WALE
LAWAL
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