Ogona Anita
A top chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Salihu Isa Nataro, has advised Vice President Kashim Shettima to resign, saying he no longer appears to have the full backing of President Bola Tinubu.
Nataro, a former governorship aspirant in Kebbi State, stated that the recent confusion in Gombe State over who should run with Tinubu in 2027 indicates that Shettima may have lost his place in the President’s inner circle. According to him, if Shettima truly values the opportunity he was given in 2022, it would be proper for him to step aside.
He added that the Vice President should inform President Tinubu and the APC leadership of his decision to leave office without bitterness, noting that such a move would support the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda and demonstrate loyalty to the party.
Nataro suggested that if Shettima writes a public letter announcing that he will not be available to run with Tinubu in the next election, but will instead work with people in the North-East to campaign for the President, it would strengthen Tinubu’s position and calm tensions within the party.
He also noted that stepping down could give Tinubu the opportunity to pick a new running mate from the southern region, which could improve Nigeria’s image abroad and change how the youth perceive the current administration.
Nataro, who is known for advocating public sector reforms, said Shettima could serve as a campaign coordinator for Tinubu’s re-election and still retain honour, recalling how Tinubu surprised many party leaders by choosing Shettima as his running mate in 2022 without wide consultations.
