Yahaya explained that the decision would facilitate the party’s smooth sailing to victory in the forthcoming 2023 presidential election.
The governor made this disclosure in a statement signed by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Ismaila Misilli.
Yahaya noted that as a committed and loyal party man, Sen. Shettima was a great asset to the ruling party and would add immeasurable value to the APC presidential ticket.
Recall that Shettima’s announcement as the vice-presidential candidate from the North-East doused insinuations that the former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, would consider running mate from the North-West.
Our correspondent reports that with Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party from the North-East, Shettima’s choice would disrupt his clean sweep of votes.
Yahaya’s statement partly read, “Asiwaju would not have made a better choice. The former Borno State Governor is a highly cerebral, eloquent, competent, courageous and cosmopolitan leader who has succeeded in building bridges, reputation and friendships across the country; and I believe he has the capacity, acumen and political sagacity to deputise the ‘Jagaban.”
While congratulating the one time Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Governors Forum, Yahaya said with his background as former lecturer, banker, agricultural economist, ex-governor and parliamentarian with visions, Shettima would be a ’round peg in a round hole’ as a Vice President.
“The Tinubu-Shettima ticket is an excellent combination that has already given the APC an upper hand and set the opposition off- balance as we approach the elections,” Yahaya added.
He reassured of his personal commitment and support of the APC in Gombe State to the Tinubu-Shettima ticket as well as victory for the party in 2023, adding that “Gombe is a strong APC base and we shall deploy our political arsenals to ensure sweeping victory for our great party at all levels.”
