Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) presidential candidate, claimed on Sunday afternoon that he had not notified Senator Kashim Shettima, the former governor of Borno State, that Shettima was the real running mate.
Less than an hour had passed since Ibrahim Masari, the APC’s de facto vice presidential contender, announced his resignation.
While speaking to reporters shortly after his private meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, the APC national leader announced Shettima as the vice presidential candidate.
He said, “I saw Aminu Bello Masari today and there is going to be an announcement to replace him fully with the substantive candidate.”
Even though he hasn’t addressed it with Shettima, Tinubu went on to say that Shettima is his running companion.
“Kashim Shettima, I have not discussed with him but I have disclosed it to you,” he said.
After landing at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua airport in Katsina, Tinubu was driven to Daura by the governor of Katsina, Aminu Bello Masari.
Masari, Tinubu’s nominal running partner, said on Sunday that he is stepping aside to make room for Tinubu’s actual running companion in a formal announcement.
Masari made the declaration following a meeting with the front-runner for the presidency.
He said, “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 to 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.
“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.”
