A university lecturer and public affairs analyst, Professor Liberty, has hailed the renomination of Vice President Kashim Shettima as the running mate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking at a grand reception in Maiduguri, Borno State, organized by the Tinubu/Shettima Continuity Forum, Professor Liberty described the decision as a reflection of competence, loyalty, and political wisdom.
Shettima's Track Record of Service
Professor Liberty noted that President Tinubu's choice to retain Shettima is grounded in wisdom, experience, and foresight. He reminded the audience that the Tinubu/Shettima ticket won the 2023 elections with over eight million votes, and the partnership has been tested through the hard work of nation-building. Shettima, a former university lecturer, banker, commissioner, two-term governor of Borno State, and senator, has contributed immensely to Nigeria's development in both private and public sectors.
The professor singled out Shettima's performance at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York as a highlight of his vice-presidential tenure. He recalled being present with his late wife, Dr. Fatima, who passed away on July 1, 2026, and stated that he had never been prouder to be a Nigerian. Shettima spoke eloquently before world leaders, representing President Tinubu with grace and distinction, a display of finesse and statesmanship that earned international acclaim.
Support from Journalists and Local Leaders
Professor Liberty cited commentaries from journalists Simon Kolawole and Mahmud Jega, who underscored the correctness of Shettima's renomination. Kolawole noted that retaining the vice-president is an unwritten code, while Jega wrote that APC dodged a bullet by sticking with Shettima, praising his intellectual depth, experience as a banker, commissioner, governor, and senator. The professor also commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly Abdulkarim Lawan for their staunch support of Shettima during political distractions, including a Gombe meeting where some sought to deny him recognition.
A Call for Renewed Commitment
While celebrating the renomination, Professor Liberty urged the administration to address pressing issues in Borno and the Northeast, including insecurity, underdevelopment, poverty, out-of-school children, youth unemployment, women's economic empowerment, and communal conflicts. He expressed hope that the renewed mandate would translate into tangible progress for the region. The professor concluded by congratulating President Tinubu for his wisdom, Shettima for earning the president's trust, and the APC for choosing stability over gambling.
