The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has announced Senator Kashim Shetima as his running mate in the 2023 general elections.
He made the announcement on Sunday in Daura, the hometown of President Muhammadu Buhari in Katsina State.
Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State briefed reporters about the choice at the end of a close-door meeting that lasted about an hour with Buhari at the President’s residence.
Before the announcement, Ibrahim Masari, Tinubu’s placeholder running mate had announced his resignation.
In a statement he personally signed Sunday in Abuja, Masari said his decision will enable Asiwaju have more latitude to give more accommodation and inclusion that will position APC to win the coming elections.
He 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 (APC), 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 primaries ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“But, after much reflection and wider consultations, I now wish to step down. I realised that my decision will enable Asiwaju 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.
“On behalf of myself and family, I wish to sincerely thank Asiwaju Tinubu — the incoming President, Insha Allah — for his trust in me and we promise to remain steadfast in our support for him and the party.”
Kashim Shettima has been a vocal ally of Tinubu. In January, Shettima had asked President Muhamadu Buhari and APC to see Tinubu’s presidential ambition as pay back time for what he did for the party to come to power in 2015.