Shettima Says Tinubu Forgave Northern Governors Who Opposed Him in 2023

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged politicians in Kwara State to embrace reconciliation after political contests, citing President Bola Tinubu’s response to northern governors who initially opposed his 2023 presidential bid.

Shettima spoke in Ilorin during the turbaning of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate by Emir Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari. With political activity building ahead of the 2027 general elections, he stressed that political contests are temporary and should not create permanent divisions, calling for “politics without bitterness.”

Shettima recalled the opposition Tinubu faced during the 2023 presidential campaign, saying only six of the 19 northern states actively supported his bid. He also referenced the belief among some northern political actors that former President Muhammadu Buhari did not support Tinubu’s ambition, reflected in the slogan “Baba bayan sunshi.”

Still, he said Tinubu continued his campaign and ultimately won the election. According to Shettima, Tinubu subsequently forgave and extended a hand of fellowship to the northern governors who had worked against him, describing the gesture as an example of good leadership.

The Vice President urged Kwara politicians, including those involved in the state’s ongoing APC internal disagreements and the G-15 group of aggrieved aspirants and supporters, to emulate that approach once their political contests end. He also reminded public office holders that political power is temporary and should be exercised with humility, responsibility and a strong sense of service.

Shettima said holding public office does not make anyone superior in pedigree, intellect, or ability, but represents an opportunity entrusted by God and the electorate, noting that people generally spend more of their lives outside public office than in it.