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Tinubu: It Is My Right To Choose Whoever I Want As Running Mate
All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential flag bearer, Bola Tinubu, says he was exercising his fundamental right when he chose former Borno state governor and fellow Muslim, Kashim Shettima, as his running mate for the 2023 elections.
“There is no traditional way of selection of a running mate. It is my prerogative. There is so much thinking that goes into it,” Mr Tinubu said. “Can you work with this individual? I see the capacity, I see the temperament. I see the vision for the mission at hand and I find him very suitable for that. So I picked him, his name has been submitted.”
Speaking with state house of assembly speakers elected under the APC on Saturday in Abuja, Mr Tinubu explained why he picked Me Shettima as his running mate.
“The agreement is that North-East should be produced. So I recommended and picked Kashim Shettima that is known to be very qualified, has a temperament and commitment, loyal to the party. Patriotism dictates that and he is very patriotic. Kashim Shettima has been nominated, his name is with INEC,” Mr Tinubu said.
The presidential flag bearer’s choice of Mr Shettima as his running mate marked the first time since 1993 when a major political party ticket would have Muslims as both presidential candidate and running mate.
His running mate choice has sparked widespread criticism among party men and electorates since the announcement was made last week Sunday.
Members of the APC Christian caucus in a communique rejected the Tinubu-Shettima candidature, predicting calamity for the ruling party after the manner of 1993 presidential election when the Abiola-Kingibe’s victory was cut short by a military junta.
“That the current Nigerian environment and political atmosphere is different from what occurred in 1993 and therefore a Muslim-Muslim ticket is unacceptable.
“It doesn’t take the smart to know that Abiola/Kingibe victory turned out to be a pyrrhic victory as there was never a President Abiola nor vice President Kingibe. Is that what we want a repeat of in 2023?” partly read the communique.
On Friday, Peoples Gazette exclusively reported that the State Security Service in a secret memo to President Muhammadu Buhari warned that Mr Tinubu’s choice of running mate would trigger a sectarian crisis that could destabilise Nigeria.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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