Tinubu Forgave Northern Governors Who Opposed Him in 2023 — Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on politicians in Kwara State to embrace reconciliation after political contests, saying President Bola Tinubu forgave northern governors who opposed his presidential ambition during the 2023 general election.

Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday in Ilorin during the turbaning ceremony of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate. The title was conferred by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

Speaking against the backdrop of political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, the Vice President urged politicians not to allow electoral disagreements to create permanent divisions.

“I call on all of us to unite in this political season and play politics without bitterness,” Shettima said.

He recalled that Tinubu entered the 2023 presidential race despite receiving support from only six of the 19 northern state governors.

According to him, Tinubu remained determined despite the limited backing and political narratives suggesting that former President Muhammadu Buhari did not support his succession ambition.

Shettima also referenced the campaign slogan “Baba bayan sunshi,” which was used at the time to suggest that Buhari had not endorsed Tinubu.

The Vice President said Tinubu chose forgiveness and reconciliation after winning the election instead of holding grudges against those who opposed him.

“After the 2023 election, President Tinubu hugged and forgave all other northern governors that did not support him. That is a mark of a good leader,” he stated.

Shettima urged politicians in Kwara State to follow the same example by putting aside their differences after political competitions.

His comments come amid reported internal disagreements within the Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following its governorship primary election.

Some aggrieved aspirants and their supporters have reportedly formed a pressure group known as the G-15 to protest the outcome of the primary.

The Vice President further reminded politicians that political power is temporary and should be exercised with humility and a commitment to service.

“As public office holders, we spend more of our lives outside public offices than we do in public offices. Let us embrace each other and have the courage to serve with humility,” he added.