The announcement of Kashim Shettima as Bola Tinubu’s running mate has been postponed by the All Progressives Congress.

However, no official reason had been provided as of the time this report was filed.

Furthermore, no new date for the unveiling has been announced.

Tinubu announced Shettima as his running mate on Sunday, according to the PUNCH, saying the former Borno State Governor was chosen to ensure good governance.

However, the APC had yet to officially announce Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate four days later.

However, Shettima’s selection sparked controversy, with some northern governors expressing reservations.

Furthermore, many Nigerians criticized Tinubu’s choice of Shettima as his running mate, warning the APC against running a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Tinubu explains why he chose Shettima as his running mate.

Tinub explained why he chose former Borno State Governor Kasim Shettima as his running mate, despite protests against the Muslim-Muslim ticket.

This was revealed in a statement obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday.

According to the PUNCH, there have been protests against the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket by the Christian Association of Nigeria and some prominent Nigerians.

Tinubu stated that he chose Shettima based on national growth and development rather than “religious sentiments.”

Tinubu stated that Shettima’s political and other experiences demonstrate that “he is eminently qualified not only to deliver that all-important electoral victory.”

The APC presidential candidate recalled how, in 1993, Nigerians embraced Chief MKO Abiola and a fellow Muslim running mate, Baba Gana Kingibe, in “one of our fairest elections ever held.”

He explained that if we truly understood Nigeria’s challenges, citizens would value governance competence over religious sentiment.

“The spirit of 1993 returns in 2023,” he says.

“I have never been an indecisive man and have no present intention of becoming one,” said part of the statement.

“Having now listened to the wise and prudent counsel of a broad cross-section of the party and the nation, there are a few points I feel I must make about the exceptional and extraordinary person with whom I will share the APC ticket, as well as the principles of open and good governance that informed this choice.”

“I am aware of the heated debate over my running mate’s possible religion.” People who are just and noble have spoken to me about this. Some have advised me to choose a Christian in order to please the Christian community. Others have suggested that I choose a Muslim to appeal to the Muslim community.

“Both sides of the debate have compelling evidence and passionate arguments to support their respective positions.” In their own way, both arguments are correct. But neither is appropriate for Nigeria at this time. As president, I hope to steer this country to unprecedented progress. This will necessitate creative thinking. It will necessitate previously unseen measures. It will also necessitate politically difficult and unusual decisions.

“If I’m going to be that type of President, I have to start as that type of candidate.” Let me make the audacious and innovative decision to move the nation and our party’s campaign closer to the greatness that we were meant to achieve, rather than to win political points.

“Today, I announce my choice with pride because it is not based on religion or to please one community over another.” I made this decision because I believe this is the man who can help me bring the best governance to all Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation, ethnicity, or region.

“Permit me to say this to all of you, especially those who will be disappointed by my religious selection. I will not and cannot disregard our people’s religious and ethnic concerns.

Taking them into account is an important part of good and capable governance. Religion, ethnicity, and region, however, cannot always and completely determine our path. 

To move forward as a country toward development and prosperity, we must break free from old shackles. We must rebalance our political calculations so that competence and fairness take precedence over reductive demographics.

‘The spirit of 1993 has returned to us in 2023.’

Tinubu stated that he chose Shettima as his running mate in order to advance and reclaim Nigeria’s fortunes and people’s hopes.

“Senator Kasim Shettima’s career in politics and beyond demonstrates that he is eminently qualified not only to deliver that all-important electoral victory, but also to step into the shoes of the Vice President,” he said. He has my implicit trust and faith as a man of talent, maturity, character strength, and patriotism.

“In one of our fairest elections ever held, Nigerians embrace Chief MKO Abiola and a fellow Muslim running mate, Baba Gana Kingibe, in 1993.”

“The spirit of 1993 has returned in 2023.”

“As such, the ticket we present today marks a watershed moment in our political history.” It represents our party’s determination to be a leading light among African political parties.”