Shettima emerges running mate to Tinubu as Masari resigns

Bayo Onanuga, Director, Media & Communication Tinubu Campaign Organisation has since confirmed former Borno State Governor and Senator representing Borno Central, Kashim Shettima as a replacement to Aminu Masari, who stepped down as running mate to the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to Onanuga, Tinubu personally disclosed his choice to journalists at the Daura residence of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Senator Shettima is former Governor of Borno State and a close associate of Tinubu who has been a staunch supporter and campaigner for the choice of Tinubu as the next President of Nigeria. 

“He toured many states with Tinubu since December 2021 where he addressed party delegates and mobilised support for the former Governor of Lagos State. “

Before the announcement of Shettima as the new running mate for Tinubu, former national officer of the APC and now erstwhile party vice presidential candidate, Aminu Masari, stepped down as running mate to Tinubu.

Masari in a statement dated July 10, titled,” Resignation as APC Vice Presidential Nominee,” said he took the decision to enable “Asiwaju have more latitude to give more accommodation and inclusion that will position our party to win the coming elections, with the support of the people of Nigeria. “

Masari further disclosed that he has submitted a “withdrawal letter and affidavit to that effect as the Vice Presidential Candidate to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed TInubu in the coming elections. “

His letter reads in part:” “this is to inform our esteemed party leaders under our able President Muhammadu Buhari, teeming 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, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

“Recall that I had the singular honour and privilege of being nominated as the running-mate to Asiwaju Tinubu last month after a keenly contested presidential primary ahead of the 2023 general elections. 

“But, after much reflection and wider consultations, I now wish to step down. I realized that my decision will enable Asiwaju have more latitude to give more accommodation and inclusion that will position our party to win the coming elections, with the support of the people of Nigeria. 

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“In stepping down, I believe I can still serve our party and the country in several other capacities. 

“I  wish to confirm that I have submitted my withdrawal letter and affidavit to that effect as the Vice Presidential Candidate to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed TInubu in the coming 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 for him and the party. “

In a separate statement, federal lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency who incidentally is the Interim National Coordinator of Bola Tinubu Campaign Organization, Honorable James Faleke, confirmed the development.

Faleke disclosed that “Alhaji Masari has communicated his decision to us from Saudi Arabia where he is presently performing the lesser hajj. 

“While saluting Alhaji Masari’s sacrifice, we believe this will give Asiwaju Tinubu an opportunity to take a decision that will further enhance the chances of our great party in the 2023 elections.”