Tinubu: My choice of Shettima reflects my belief in Nigeria’s diversity

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, has played down the potential backlash that Kashim Shettima’s selection as a Muslim running mate had already sparked before he was officially announced.

He claimed that his decision is actually a reflection of his belief in Nigeria’s diversity.

In a 35-paragraph statement released on Sunday, July 10, Tinubu said that the spirit of 1993 was now upon Nigeria in reference to the Muslim-Muslim ticket of Chief MKO Abiola and Alhaji Babagana Kingibe.

Tinubu had, earlier, announced Shettima as his formal running mate.

He said; “I am mindful of the energetic discourse concerning the possible religion of my running mate. Just and noble people have talked to me about this. Some have counselled that I should select a Christian to please the Christian community. Others have said I should pick a Muslim to appeal to the Muslim community. Clearly, I cannot do both. 

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“Both sides of the debate have impressive reason and passionate arguments supporting their position. Both arguments are right in their own way. But neither is right in the way that Nigeria needs at the moment. As president, I hope to govern this nation toward uncommon progress. This will require innovation. It will require steps never before taken. It will also require decisions that are politically difficult and rare. 

“If I am to be that type of President, I must begin by being that type of candidate. Let me make the bold and innovative decision not to win political points but to move the nation and our party’s campaign closer to the greatness that we were meant to achieve.  

“Here is where politics ends, and true leadership must begin. Today, I announce my selection with pride because I have made it not based on religion or to please one community or the other. I made this choice because I believe this is the man who can help me bring the best governance to all Nigerians, period, regardless of their religious affiliation or considerations of ethnicity or region.”