Shettima Clarifies Remarks on Northern Governors’ Support for Tinubu in 2023

Vice President Kashim Shettima has clarified his recent comments regarding the role of northern governors in President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election.

Shettima explained that his remarks were not intended to diminish the contributions of other members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, or suggest that northern governors alone delivered the election victory for Tinubu.

The Vice President made the clarification amid reactions to comments attributed to him concerning the level of support Tinubu received from northern states during the 2023 election.

He said his statement was made in the context of highlighting the contributions of APC leaders and supporters in the North who worked for the party’s success during the election.

Shettima maintained that the 2023 victory was the result of collective efforts by party members, political leaders, supporters and voters across the country.

He noted that Tinubu secured votes from different regions and that the contributions of party stakeholders in the North should be considered alongside those of APC members in other parts of Nigeria.

The Vice President’s clarification followed reactions from political figures and groups who interpreted his earlier remarks as suggesting that northern governors played a decisive role in Tinubu’s emergence as president.

Shettima stressed the need for his comments to be understood within their proper context, saying there was no intention to create division among APC members or undermine the efforts of stakeholders outside the North.

The clarification comes amid renewed political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, with the Tinubu administration and APC leaders increasingly discussing the president’s performance and political support base.

Political debates over the 2023 election results and the contributions of various regions and party stakeholders are expected to continue as parties begin to intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.