The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, officially unveiled former Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, as his running mate.
This is as Tinubu, who is a former Lagos State governor, promised to work with his vice presidential candidate, alongside his team, to change the country for the better.
The APC flagbearer made the promise while speaking at the unveiling event held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. APC stalwarts, including the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, were at the unveiling ceremony.
“We will change this country for the better,” he said.
Justifying his choice of Shettima despite opposition to the Muslim-Muslim ticket, Tinubu said he had considered principles that determine victory in politics with his choice of the former Borno governor.
“All my life, my decision regarding the team around me and those I work with are guided by principles of competence, innovation, compassion, integrity, fairness and adherence to excellence.
In politics those principles are sacrosanct. They are not negotiable. Without them, there can be no victory or joy,” the former Lagos governor said.
This is where politics must end and leadership must begin. True leadership is not grounded in religious pandering, populism or sentiment. To forge ahead as a nation toward development and prosperity, we must, instead, break the shackles of old thinking.
“This chapter in our nation’s history demands a bold yet pragmatic approach. In selecting Senator Shettima I have committed myself to this path. I have made the hard choice because I believe it is the best choice.”
He added, “Much has been said, written about my decision to select Shettima to partner me on this journey. As a committed and progressive leader, I have read and listened to all that has been written and said. It has been an emotional situation for me.
“Out of many competent Nigerians and out of many advice, I know it has to be my decision. And the hallmark of leadership is taking a decision at the right time when it ought to be taken.
“I did consult and I am proud to see all of you here acknowledging the quality of our Vice President Kashim Shettima.”
(Punch)