Reported by: Puis Althea | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renominating Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, describing the decision as a historic milestone for Borno State and the entire North-East region. Speaking to State House correspondents on Thursday after President Tinubu formally presented Shettima with the certificate confirming his selection as the All Progressives Congress vice-presidential candidate, Zulum said the moment marked the first time an indigene of Borno State and the North-East had risen to the position of vice president and been retained for a possible second term. "We have never had it like this," Zulum declared. "An attempt was done during the time of Kingibe's period where we were almost there but unfortunately we couldn't get there; this is the first time our son has become the number two man of Nigeria, so we are so happy for this".
The governor, who visited the Presidential Villa to convey the gratitude of the people of Borno and seek the President's approval for a delegation of governors and representatives from the North-East to pay a formal appreciation visit, confirmed that President Tinubu had granted the request. "On behalf of the governors of the northeastern states, I want to appreciate him and by next week we shall be preparing to come and see him," Zulum said. He stressed that the delegation would use the visit to express appreciation for the confidence reposed in Vice President Shettima.
In a statement he personally signed, Zulum described Shettima's renomination as a testament to values, loyalty, competence, and political stability. "On behalf of the Government and people of Borno State, I hereby convey our deep sense of gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for re-nominating our distinguished and illustrious son, His Excellency Vice-President Kashim Shettima, as your running mate for the upcoming 2027 General Election," Zulum wrote. He praised the President's decision as "a singular act of political sagacity and statesmanship" that demonstrated an unwavering commitment to national cohesion, continuity, and the consolidation of the 'Renewed Hope Agenda'. "By re-nominating Vice-President Shettima, you have not only reaffirmed your belief in the North-east region's capacity but also demonstrated a leadership style that values loyalty, competence, and political stability," the governor added.
Zulum drew on Shettima's record as a former governor of Borno State, recalling his leadership during the darkest hours of the Boko Haram insurgency. "To us in Borno, this nomination is not just a political decision; it is a coronation of excellence. Vice-President Shettima remains our pride as a man who has traversed the difficult terrains of our state as Governor during the darkest hours and emerged as a beacon of resilience," Zulum said. He also reaffirmed Borno State's unwavering support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, pledging to deliver the state's votes to ensure the continuity of the administration's progressive work. "Your Excellency, be rest assured that Borno State stands solidly behind you like the Rock of Gibraltar," Zulum declared.
The governor also extended warm congratulations to Vice President Shettima, urging him to continue serving as a loyal lieutenant to President Tinubu. "To His Excellency, the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, I extend the warmest congratulations of the entire Borno State Government. We are proud of you. We celebrate you and urge you to continue to serve as the loyal lieutenant that you are, supporting our President to steer the ship to the Promised Land," Zulum said. The governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for trusting "our son" and for his visionary leadership.
The renomination of Vice President Shettima has been widely hailed as a strategic decision that promotes unity and strengthens the ruling party's chances at the polls. The APC National Working Committee had confirmed Shettima as Tinubu's running mate, and the President formally presented the certificate to his deputy in a small ceremony at his office at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday. The development shuts down months of speculation over the Vice President's place on the ticket and reaffirms the partnership that led the APC to victory in 2023. With Zulum's endorsement and the promise of a bloc of votes from Borno State, the Tinubu-Shettima ticket appears to have secured the backing of the North-East region as it prepares for the 2027 general election.
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