The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has justified the choice of Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate in next year’s election, saying it was a very hard, but best choice for him.
He said: “This chapter in our nation’s history demands a bold, yet pragmatic approach. In selecting Senator Shettima, I have committed myself to this path. I have made the hard choice because I believe it is the best choice.”
Tinubu also said the APC and Nigeria have a unique opportunity to rekindle hope for a better country.
He said: “Every election brings with it the promise of renewed hope. This one shall be no different.
“For our party and our nation, we hold the chance to move the nation and our collective cause forward as never before.
“To do this, we must be wise of thought and courageous of action. We must win this election so that we can bring jobs, education, food, medicine, hope and belief in a better life to the people of this country.”
Tinubu unveiled Shettima, former governor of Borno State, at a colourful ceremony held at the Yar’Adua Conference Centre, Abuja.
APC leaders, led by National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, were in one accord at the ceremony.
The vice presidential candidate described the Tinubu/Shettima ticket as one of hope, reminiscent of the Third Republic Abiola/Kingibe ticket.
Shettima, who was accompanied by his wife, Nana, said he was honoured by the consensus of eminent party stakeholders, who had reposed trust in the ticket.
Lauding the decision to pair Shettima with the standard bearer, Adamu said the ruling party will be victorious at the poll.
The event was witnessed by members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), members of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, who was represented by House Leader Ado Doguwa, members of the National Assembly, former governors and ministers and governorship and parliamentary aspirants.
At the ceremony were PGF Chairman and Kebbi State Governor Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, Chairman Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Other governors present were Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Bello Matawalle (Zamfara), Aminu Masari (Kastina), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Kogi State Deputy Governor Edward Onoja.
Others are Senator Kabiru Gaya, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, former National Organising Secretary, Sen. Osita Izunaso, Sen. Musilu Obanikoro, Sen. Solomon Adeola, former National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomole, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Senator Godswill Akpabio, former Interior Minister Gen. Abdulrahman Danbazzau; Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechuhwu; Alhaji Fouad Oki, former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al’Makura; former National Vice Chairman (Southsouth) Hillary Etta, former presidential aide Sen. Enang Eta and Director-General, Nigeria Diaspora Commission Abike Dabiri.
Others are Niger State governorship candidate, Mohammed Bago, Chairman, House Committee on Finance James Faleke and former national chairmanship aspirant, Sunny Moniedafe.
Tinubu believes the 2023 election is a “must win” in a bid to set a new stage for tackling the challenges confronting the country.
He emphasised that the preparation for the poll has brought a promise of renewed hope.
The standard bearer, who acknowledged the popular support for the ticket, said there is a determination to change the country for the better.