The Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress for the 2023 elections, Asiwaju Bola  Ahmed Tinubu has  announced former governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate.

The former Lagos State governor, disclosed this on Sunday in Daura, Katsina State. 

DIPLOMATIC DIARY reports that Tinubu  on Sunday paid a Sallah homage to President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, to brief him on his chosen running mate.

Addressing newsmen on the development at the end of a close-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari,  Tinubu said Shettima was selected because the former Borno State governor is “competent, capable, reliable and able to be picked as a running mate”.

Born on September 2, 1966, to the family of Sir Kashim Ibrahim, the former governor who  is the representative of Borno Central Senatorial District in the Senate, was a two-term Governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019.

He is from the same geopolitical zone -North-east, as Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Shettima was one of the early backers of  Tinubu  for presidential ticket of the APC  and served as the Director-General of the Tinubu Campaign Organisation.

The former two-term Lagos State governor won the APC’s presidential ticket at the party’s June 8 special national convention and presidential primary election.

He earlier chose Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, as a placeholder for the vice-presidential slot.

Shortly before the announcement of Shettima as running mate, Masari, announced his withdrawal from the position.

Masari said he decided to withdraw from the position after he had a consultation with Tinubu in a letter addressed to APC members.

The letter read: “This is to inform our esteemed party leaders under our able President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), teeming party members and the great people of Nigeria, of the outcome of a crucial discussion I just had with the flagbearer of our great party, the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I had the singular honour and privilege of being nominated as the running mate to Asiwaju Tinubu last month after a keenly contested presidential primary ahead of the 2023 general election.

“But, after much reflection and wider consultations, I now wish to step down. I realised that my decision will enable Asiwaju to have more latitude to give more accommodation and inclusion that will position our party to win the coming elections, with the support of the people of Nigeria.

“In stepping down, I believe I can still serve our party and the country in several other capacities.

“I wish to confirm that I have submitted my withdrawal letter and affidavit to that effect as the vice-presidential candidate to Asiwaju Bola TInubu in the coming elections.

“On behalf of myself and family, I wish to sincerely thank Asiwaju Tinubu — the incoming President, Insha Allah — for his trust in me and we promise to remain steadfast in our support for him and the party.”

The campaign organisation of Mr Tinubu also confirmed the withdrawal of Masari as Tinubu’s interim running mate.

In a statement released by James Faleke, the campaign disclosed that Masari transmitted the resignation letter from Saudi Arabia, where he is performing Hajj.

“This is to inform and confirm that Alhaji Ibrahim Masari has stepped down as Vice Presidential nominee to the flag-bearer of APC in the 2023 presidential elections, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Alhaji Masari has communicated his decision to us from Saudi Arabia where he is presently performing the hajj.

“While saluting Alhaji Masari’s sacrifice, we believe this will give Asiwaju Tinubu an opportunity to take a decision that will further enhance the chances of our great party in the 2023 elections”, the statement read.