By Abba Dukawa
Naturally, the corridors of power often harbor mischief-makers. The relationship between Presidents and Vice Presidents in Nigerian politics has always been delicate, partly because the constitution doesn’t outline any independent responsibilities for the office of Vice President or Deputy Governor.
Under the 1999 Constitution, the Nigerian President wields significant power, akin to a constitutional monarch. As the Head of State, Chief Executive of the Federation, and Commander-in-Chief (Section 130(2)), the President serves as the country’s chief economic manager. Notably, while the Constitution vests legislative powers in institutions (Section 4) and judicial powers in institutions (Section 6), executive powers are vested directly in the President (Section 5).
President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are indeed on the same ticket, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC). They ran together in the 2023 presidential election. However, there’s speculation about whether Shettima will remain Tinubu’s running mate in 2027 general elections.
According many reports, there are discussions about potential changes to the ticket for the 2027 presidential election, with some suggesting other northern minority christian or a politician from north West could replace Shettima. Despite this, there’s no official confirmation on the status of their joint ticket beyond the current term.
Clearly, his role diverges significantly from that of his predecessors, including Atiku Abubakar, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and Goodluck Jonathan. Despite being afforded some opportunities since the government’s inception, they haven’t been substantial enough to generate significant support or recognition.
“I struggle to understand why the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, hasn’t been utilized to his full potential in this administration. For too long, he’s been consigned
to ceremonial duties, only being acknowledged during high-profile events. Why isn’t he permitted to function similarly to his predecessors, given his vast experience? Is it due to external factors constrained his role? Furthermore, why does the economic team, led by the Vice President, appear to have a limited impact on shaping national economic policies?”
Vice president Kashim Shettima is indeed an exceptional politician, renowned for his astute understanding of politics and leadership. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes and build consensus has earned him respect from various quarters.
Shettima has achieved remarkable success, winning elections three times and serving as Governor of Borno State for two terms, spanning eight years. He later became a Senator and eventually, the running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Notably, Shettima demonstrated exceptional leadership in rebuilding Borno after the devastating impact of terrorism. His experience, political acumen, and administrative expertise are unparalleled, setting him apart from others vying for the Vice Presidency.
As a seasoned politician with a deep understanding of the corridors of power, Shettima has consistently displayed high emotional intelligence, remaining composed amidst attempts to create tension between him and the President. Observations of his daily schedule reveal a demanding workload, yet he navigates it with ease, a testament to his work ethic honed during his time in Borno.
Shettima has represented the President at prestigious forums like the World Economic Forum contributing to the influx of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) into the country. United Nations General Assembly showcasing his intellectual prowess.
Those vying for his position will likely be overshadowed once again by Shettima’s exceptional qualities. Despite their efforts to create tension by spreading rumors of rifts between him and the President, they seem unaware that in the realm of politics, loyalty and close alliances often take precedence when power dynamics are at play.
Amidst the negative narratives, Shettima has demonstrated remarkable emotional intelligence, showcasing his understanding of power dynamics and adapting seamlessly to various situations. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes is a testament to his experience and skill.
Despite being relegated to ceremonial duties, the Vice President has remained steadfastly loyal to the President and the nation. However, his detractors seem to expect him to betray this loyalty by challenging his boss, prioritizing cronyism, and advocating for the privatization of national assets at bargain prices. They’d also have him perpetuate policies that widen the economic gap, exacerbating poverty and hardship for the masses. Essentially, they’d have him compromise his integrity for political expediency.
While party heavyweights announced the president’s re-election bid, they notably left out Vice President Kashim Shettima’s name as the running mate. The endorsement took place during the APC national convention held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, under the theme “Renewed Hope Agenda. This hint that President Bola Tinubu may not retain Shettima as his running mate for a second term.
In a striking display, President Bola Tinubu’s posters and billboards have sprouted across Abuja, including Airport Road and the Central Business District, even before the recent endorsement. Notably, these campaign materials feature the President’s image alone, with no mention or picture of Vice President Kashim Shettima. Interestingly,, the Presidency has dismissed rumors of a rift between the two leaders, attributing the false narratives to individuals seeking to create unnecessary tension. President asked his supporters to halt their re-election campaign efforts to avoid breaching Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rules.
With his exceptional ability to navigate complex situations and build strong relationships, Kashim Shettima has consistently demonstrated a high emotional intelligence quotient. His calm demeanor and thoughtful approach have earned him respect and admiration, setting him apart as a leader who truly understands the intricacies of power dynamics.
The 2027 elections should not be reduced to simplistic labels like ‘Muslim-Muslim tickets.’ Instead, the real contest will be between pragmatic, inclusive politics and the narrow, divisive agendas of some politicians. Despite attempts to downplay the rumored tensions between the two highest offices in the land, the writing is on the wall. No amount of denial can convince citizens who have witnessed the unfolding dynamics. I hold Kashim Shettima in high esteem; he’s an exceptional politician with a deep understanding of politics and leadership. His insights are truly transformative and a valuable asset to the administration.
Dukawa wrote in from Kano can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com
