Yemi Obafemi
Vice President Kashim Shettima has clarified his recent remarks about the support of northern governors for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying he was referring to political consultations that took place before the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary in June 2022.
In a statement signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, on Wednesday, Shettima said the reference to six northern governors was limited to the period leading up to the party’s presidential primary.
He said the comment was not intended to suggest that northern APC governors withdrew their support after Tinubu emerged as the party’s candidate or during the 2023 presidential election.
The Vice President said the northern governors subsequently rallied behind Tinubu and contributed to the APC’s campaign and electoral efforts that resulted in his victory in the 2023 general election.
He added that the declaration of Tinubu as the APC presidential candidate marked a point when governors across the country rallied around the party’s candidate in what he described as an important moment in the push for a power shift.
Shettima also expressed his appreciation for the contributions of the northern governors and other APC leaders to the party’s success and Tinubu’s emergence as president.
He regretted any interpretation of his remarks that suggested otherwise, saying the clarification was intended to put his comments in the proper context.
The Vice President also urged the media to maintain accuracy and provide context when reporting public remarks, particularly as the country approaches another political season.
