I’ve Not Told Shettima He Has Been Chosen As My Running Mate – Tinubu

The Presidential Candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, said he has not informed former Governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima, that he has been selected as the substantive running mate.

The former Lagos Governor stated this on Sunday during an interview with journalists after his closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State.

Tinubu stated that he has also informed the interim vice presidential candidate, Kabir Ibrahim Masari, of his decision to replace him fully with Shettima as the official running mate.

He said, “I saw Kabir Ibrahim Masari today and there is going to be an announcement to replace him fully with the substantive candidate.”

When queried to disclose who the substantive candidate was, Tinubu declared that it was Shettima, even though he has not discussed it with him.

“Kashim Shettima, I have not discussed with him but I have disclosed it to you,” he said.

Tinubu’s declaration comes less than one hour after Masari officially stepped down as vice presidential nominee.

He had 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, 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.”