Shettima clarifies comment on Northern govs support for Tinubu in 2023

Vice President Kashim Shettima has clarified his recent remarks regarding the support of northern governors for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said his reference to six northern governors who supported Tinubu was specifically about political consultations and alignments before the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential primary in June 2022.

The statement said: “It was not a comment on the position of northern APC governors following President Tinubu’s emergence as the party’s candidate, nor was it intended to question their support during the 2023 presidential election.

“Following the presidential primary, APC governors in the North rallied around the party’s candidate and played important roles in the campaign and electoral efforts that culminated in President Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 general election.”

Shettima added that he holds the northern governors and other leaders of the APC in high regard, and recognizes their individual and collective contributions to the success of the party and the emergence of President Tinubu.

According to the statement, the Vice President regretted “any interpretation of his remarks that may have suggested otherwise” and hopes the clarification places his comments in their proper context.

Shettima further appreciated the Nigerian media for its professionalism and engagement with his office, urging journalists to maintain accuracy and provide context when reporting public remarks as the country approaches another political season.