Don’t distract Tinubu, group warns detractors

A group, The National Political Study Group, has warned detractors not to distract President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by bringing to the front burner any nomination politics ahead of 2027.

The group, in a statement by its leader, Emmanuel Aro, dismissed insinuations that the President is under pressure over the choice of running mate for the next general election.

Also, a presidency source said the president is focussed on his mandate and addressing what he described as a wrong perception that Christians are being singled out for attacks across the country.

The source said efforts to correct this narrative are beginning to yield positive results.

Aro, who spoke in Lagos, said although legitimate scheming by politicians have started, the president is not somebody who can be intimidated, manipulated and pushed around by those nursing ambition for relevance.

Also, the Presidency source, who reacted to a report in one of the national dailies which claimed that the President was under pressure to field a Christian running mate in 2027, rather than retain the Muslim-Muslim ticket with Vice President Kashim Shettima, said people are only peddling rumours.

He said: “Look, we are aware that some persons want the VP replaced. Initially, they wanted a fellow Muslim to replace him. But now that they have seen that the arrangement is not flying, they want to latch on the US sentiment to push their new agenda of having a Christian running mate. But I can tell you for free that it will not work.

“Any APC person plotting that does not mean well for Mr. President and our party.  Tampering with the ticket as it is will do us more harm than good in the North, especially if ADC eventually sticks by its original plan to field a northern candidate. If it is about winning strategy, we are better the way we are because replacing Shettima with a Christian may affect our chance in the entire Northeast and votes from some critical states in the North.”

He added: “The US angle to the story is all hoax. The US posturing is changing already. Besides, are we no longer believers? If we run with a Christian candidate and God does not want us, if the US like, let them put everything they have into it, it will still not work. So, we should stop playing God.

“Our President is smart and strategic.  He has not told us he wants to replace Shettima. We are aware, like you said that some of the presidential aides, in some of their conversations appear to be buying into the idea of having a Christian run with Tinubu. But the truth is those doing that are majorly Christians. Therefore, I can understand their sentiments. However, on Shettima’s birthday, when Mr. President released what looked like a ‘shut your mouth’ statement.”

President Tinubu had during the vice president’s 59th birthday, described him as loyal deputy, insisting that his choice as his running mate in 2023 was never a mistake.

The president said: “The birthday presented another unique opportunity to celebrate you, my brother, co-traveller and Vice President, as you mark another birthday.

“Since we embarked on this journey, united by the shared vision of building a more prosperous nation, your courage, sense of duty, tenacity, determination, and belief in Nigeria’s greatness have remained unshaken.

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“You served the people of Borno, your home state, excellently as Governor for eight years and later as Senator representing Borno Central in the National Assembly. In both roles, you showed that leadership is service, not privilege, even in the face of immense challenges.

“However, your service to Nigeria, fueled by your passion for democracy, good governance, and economic development, has been even more remarkable.

“I deeply appreciate your vibrancy, loyalty, partnership, and support as my deputy. In choosing you then as a partner, I selected competence and other qualities that Nigeria could depend on.”

President Tinubu added: “Every day, as Vice President, you have justified that choice by strengthening our work, bringing fresh perspectives, and upholding our commitment to Nigerians. Your dedication reassures me that I did not make a mistake in choosing you as my deputy.

“Together, we have begun to lay the foundations of the Renewed Hope Agenda. From securing new global partnerships across the Atlantic to driving food security and investment reforms at home, your partnership has been integral to our success.

“In the months ahead, as we unlock new trade corridors and deliver more schools, hospitals, and jobs, our partnership will continue to yield results that Nigerians can see and feel. We must continue to work towards the full realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which will foster prosperity in the country and enhance the living standards of our people.

“Our relationship transcends official duties. It is a bridge across regions and traditions, united in purpose and service. You remind us of what is possible when Nigeria comes first — an example worthy of emulation by those who aspire to lead.”