Tinubu forgave northern governors who opposed 2023 bid, Shettima says

Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu extended forgiveness to northern state governors who worked against his 2023 presidential campaign. Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday in Ilorin during a ceremony conferring the title of Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate on Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

According to Shettima's account, only six of Nigeria's 19 northern governors actively supported Tinubu's presidential ambition before last year's general election. The Vice President characterised the 2023 campaign environment as challenging, with substantial barriers erected against Tinubu's candidacy.

Despite this opposition from most northern governors at the time, Tinubu subsequently chose reconciliation over retaliation. Speaking to Kwara politicians ahead of the 2027 election cycle, Shettima used Tinubu's approach as a template for political conduct.

He urged state politicians to pursue reconciliation following electoral contests, emphasising that political competition should be viewed as transient rather than permanent. Shettima underscored the role of humility in public service and the necessity of unity among political actors.

The Vice President's statement occurs amid ongoing political reorganisation across Nigeria as parties and politicians prepare for the next presidential election. Shettima's remarks appear designed to encourage goodwill among Kwara's political class, while simultaneously showcasing Tinubu's willingness to work with former opponents at the national level.

The timing of these comments—delivered during a high-profile turbaning ceremony—signals the administration's emphasis on unity messaging as 2027 approaches.