Shettima Clears Air On ‘6 Northern Governors’ Remark

Vice President Kashim Shettima has clarified his recent remarks concerning the support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received from northern governors ahead of his emergence as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2022.

Shettima explained that his reference to six northern governors who believed in and supported Tinubu was specifically in relation to political consultations and alignments that preceded the APC presidential primary in June 2022.

He said the remark was not intended to describe the position of northern APC governors after Tinubu emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, nor was it meant to question their support for him during the 2023 presidential election.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the senior special assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

He said following the presidential primary, APC governors in the North rallied around Tinubu and played important roles in the campaign and electoral efforts that culminated in his victory in the 2023 general election.

The statement further noted that after Tinubu was declared the winner of the APC presidential primary, other governors across the country also rallied around him.

It described the declaration by the northern governors as an “aligning moment” across political divides in the quest for a power shift.

The Vice President also expressed his respect for the northern governors and other APC leaders, recognising their individual and collective contributions to the success of the party and Tinubu’s emergence as President.

“VP Shettima holds the northern governors and other leaders of the APC in high regard and recognises their individual and collective contributions to the success of the party and the emergence of President Tinubu,” the statement said.

Shettima regretted any interpretation of his remarks that may have suggested otherwise, saying the clarification was intended to place his comments in their proper context.

The Vice President also appreciated the Nigerian media for its longstanding professionalism and constructive engagement with his office.

He urged continued accuracy and context in the reporting of public remarks as the country approaches another political season.