Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged politicians to put political differences behind them after elections, citing President Bola Tinubu’s reconciliation with northern governors who did not support his 2023 presidential bid.
Shettima made the call in Ilorin, Kwara State, while speaking at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, during the turbaning of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate.
The Vice President said the 2023 presidential contest was marked by intense political tension, adding that only six of the 19 northern governors supported Tinubu’s ambition.
“You all know that we have 19 states in the North; out of these, only six actually believed and supported Tinubu, but Tinubu refused to be deterred. He was able to cross the road.
“Then, the slogan was: ‘Baba bayan sushi’ (Buhari said he didn’t like him). Even with all this, Tinubu went ahead with his ambition.
“Just like former president Muhammadu Buhari; Buhari would call your bluff and send you away once you try to arm-twist him in any political negotiation,” Shettima said.
Shettima said Tinubu later reconciled with the governors who had opposed his presidential ambition, urging politicians to adopt a similar approach after political contests.
“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 said.
He specifically appealed to politicians in Kwara to close ranks after the All Progressives Congress primaries, irrespective of the outcome of the contest.
The Vice President also urged politicians to avoid treating politics as a “game of death” and to recognise that political disagreements should not permanently divide individuals and groups.
Shettima said public office holders should also approach their positions with humility, noting that political power was temporary.
“Power is given by God to the people He so wishes and not because they are better than other people,” he said.
Speaking on the economy, Shettima said the Federal Government inherited about $3.9bn when Tinubu assumed office but chose to focus on addressing the challenges rather than spending its time apportioning blame.
He said the economic team continued with its work despite the difficulties inherited by the administration.
Shettima had earlier inaugurated the Kwara State Revenue House on Ahmadu Bello Way and a garment factory, both in Ilorin.
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