Shettima’s Renomination Rewards Loyalty, Ensures Continuity in Governance – Abiola
Oru Leonard
ABUJA – Media consultant, Dr. Olusola Abiola, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, describing the move as a recognition of loyalty, competence and continuity in governance.
In a statement titled “VP Shettima’s Renomination: Reward for Loyalty,” Abiola said the President’s endorsement of Shettima for a second term underscores his confidence in a tested partnership that has contributed to the implementation of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the decision came despite sustained calls from some political interests within and outside the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for a change in the party’s presidential ticket.
He argued that by standing with his deputy, President Tinubu demonstrated leadership anchored on trust, performance and institutional stability rather than political expediency.
Quoting American industrialist Henry Ford’s famous words, “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success,” Abiola said enduring governments are built on strong partnerships, mutual confidence and a shared vision for national development.
He described Vice President Shettima as an accomplished administrator whose journey from the banking sector to public service has been marked by diligence, resilience and a commitment to nation-building.
Abiola recalled that Shettima served in several strategic ministries in Borno State before becoming governor in 2011, later representing Borno Central in the Senate and emerging as President Tinubu’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
He further highlighted the Vice President’s role in representing Nigeria at major international engagements, including sessions of the United Nations General Assembly and the 2023 BRICS Summit, saying his diplomatic engagements have enhanced Nigeria’s global profile.
The media consultant also praised Shettima’s contributions to the implementation of government policies, particularly in agriculture, nutrition, digital economy, youth empowerment, MSME development, skills acquisition and humanitarian interventions.
According to Abiola, the Vice President has equally provided leadership as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), where deliberations have supported key national initiatives, including ongoing security reforms and economic development programmes.
He described Shettima’s loyalty to President Tinubu as one of his defining qualities, stressing that such loyalty has strengthened governance through disciplined collaboration and unwavering commitment to the administration’s objectives.
Reflecting on his personal experience of working closely with the Vice President, Abiola said Shettima is a meticulous, humble and intellectually sound leader who values teamwork, listens to diverse opinions and approaches governance with seriousness and dedication.
He maintained that President Tinubu’s decision to retain his deputy goes beyond politics, saying it reflects an appreciation of competence, institutional memory and the importance of tested leadership partnerships.
“As Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle, there is every reason to believe that Senator Kashim Shettima will continue to add significant value to the Tinubu administration if re-elected in 2027,” Abiola stated.
He concluded that the President’s decision represents a choice for continuity, experience and stability, expressing confidence that the Tinubu-Shettima partnership remains well-positioned to advance Nigeria’s development aspirations.
