By Oluwaseun Sonde
Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari who received All Progressive Congress Vice President Candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima after unveiled by leadership of the Party, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, said he is very happy with the choice of former Governor of Borno State as running mate.
In a statement released by the Senior Special Assistance to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President optimistic that the APC Presidential candidate and his Vice, Shettima will win the 2023 elections, saying he will respond to Shettima's flowery speech when handing over to them.
"God willing, you are going to win. I wish you the best. Your consistency in the party is very respectful. You served your two terms as Governor and finished well. You've kept touch with your base. At every important occasion or event, you're maintaining support for the one who succeeded you. This is commendable", Buhari said.
The President expressed strong optimism that the APC ticket will emerge victorious in 2023.
In his remarks, the Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Shettima thanked the President for his “empathy, support and positive role," leading to his emergence as Running Mate to the APC Presidential Candidate.
He praised the President for having “a special place in your heart for Borno and Northeast,” adding, “I can cite 20-30 instances of support you have rendered, for which you will be remembered.”
He mentioned the establishment of the North East Development Commission, NEDC, and the Independent Power Plant for Maiduguri the NNPC, “after many years of darkness,” saying that “words cannot describe our appreciation of your support. We will remain eternally grateful."
The former Borno Governor requested the President to appreciate his successor, Babagana Zulum who was in his company, along with the Minister of State, Agriculture, Mustapha Baba Shehuri, for spurning “recurring mention” of him and pressure from his Governor colleagues to bid for the Vice Presidential ticket.
The Candidate pledged to remain “loyal and devoted” to the President, promising that his Vice-Presidency will not be for the “troika of Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri,” but for all Nigeria, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or geographical place of origin.
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