Masari Resigns, Tinubu Picks Shettima as Running mate

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has announced that he has picked former Governor of Borno state, Senator  Kashim Shettima as his running-mate.

Tinubu made this known on Sunday in Daura, Kastina state after paying President Muhammadu Buhari a Sallah homage.

It was gathered that Tinubu travelled to Daura to intimidate Buhari of  his decision to pick Shettima before making his choice of the former Governor public.

Speaking with journalists after meeting with the president, Tinubu said he had spoken with  Ibrahim Masari, whose name was submitted as a ‘placeholder’ to enable Tinubu and APC meet the June 17 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for political parties to submit the names of their candidates and running mates.

He said, “I have already spoken with him (Masari) today to be replaced by a substantive running mate.”

When asked who the substantive running mate was, Tinubu said, “Kashim Shettima”.

Meanwhile, Masari has announced his resignation as APC vice presidential nominee.

Masari in a statement he issued Sunday said he decided to step down  after much reflection and wider consultations.

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 realized that my decision will enable Asiwaju to 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.”

Masari noted that he believed he still served the  party and the country in several other capacities. 

He added: “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. 

Also, Tinubu Campaign Organisation has confirmed Masari’ withdrawal as running-mate to Tinubu.

This was made known in a statement issued Sunday by the Interim National Coordinator of Bola Tinubu Campaign Organization, Hon. James Faleke.

He said, “This is to inform and confirm that Alhaji Ibrahim Masari has stepped down as Vice Presidential nominee to the flag-bearer of APC in the 2023 presidential elections, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Faleke noted that Masari has communicated his decision to step down  from Saudi Arabia where he was performing the lesser hajj.