By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri
Political stakeholders in Borno State have pledged to deliver a landslide victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, in appreciation of his decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as running mate.
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional rulers, youth and women groups made the pledge on Saturday at a grand reception and civic sensitisation titled “Borno’s Pride, Nation’s Trust: Celebrating Vice President Kashim Shettima”s Renomination ‘ held in Maiduguri.
Speaking during the occasion, the convener of the grand reception who is
Senior Special Assistant to the president on Administration in the office of the vice president, Barrister Abdulsalam Mohammed, said the day’s event is borne out of a deep sense of personal and communal duty , adding that It is a humble token of appreciation, a quiet and sincere effort to celebrate a milestone that has brought immense honour to Borno State.
Mohammed noted that the official re-nomination of Senator Kashim Shettima, as the Vice Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for a second term, is not just a political victory, but a national validation of character, loyalty, and exceptional capacity.
He said for him, and for many in the hall, the gathering is also an opportunity to say “thank you.
“Over the years, many of us have been profound beneficiaries of the immense kindness, unconditional mentorship, and life-changing support of Vice President Kashim Shettima and his respected family.
He said,” These are debts of gratitude that we can never fully repay, but today, this reception stands as a modest token of appreciation and solidarity from his home base of Maiduguri.
“When we call Senator Kashim Shettima “Borno’s Pride and the Nation’s Trust,” we speak of a monumental transformer, a global icon of good governance, and an indefatigable leader whose work ethic, courage, and selflessness have completely rewritten the manual of public service’”.
He noted that Shettima”s choice for a second term is a testament to his value as an indispensable pillar of the “Renewed Hope” administration, saying that he has represented the northeast region and the nation with the highest level of decorum, brilliance, and executive excellence.
He said in light of the recent extension of the voter registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), they have integrated a dedicated civic sensitization session into the day’s programme.
Mohammed further said that they must mobilise their families, neighbors, and colleagues to secure and validate their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), noting that the PVC is their voice, power, and legal tool to secure the future of Borno and ensure the continuity of the progress they are celebrating today.
A political scientist, Professor Ibrahim Umara of the University of Maiduguri commended President Bola Tinubu for renominating Vice president Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the second term , promising that the people of Borno and Northeast will replicate the gesture by mobilising millions of votes for him in the coming 2027 presidential election.
Professor Umara recalled the leadership prowess of Vice President Shettima who was able to manage the Boko Haram crisis in the State during his tenure, despite being in the opposition in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) dominated administration in his first tenure.
The APC Women Leader in the State who is also the Chairperson Forum of APC Women in Northeast, Zara Mohammed assured President Tinubu that women in Borno and Northeast will mobilise millions of votes for their re- election in 2027.
A former Director General, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Permanent Secretary in the office of the Head of Service, Borno State, Hajiya Yabawa Kolo called on women in Borno, Northeast and Nigeria in general to rise up and ensure that President Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima returned in 2027 for stability, economic development and lasting peace in the nation.
An elderstatesman and the secretary of Borno elders forum, Alhaji Mali Gubio, whiie lauding President Tinubu over the choice of Shettima as running mate, said the time has come for the people of Borno and Northeast to reward APC by ensuring that President Tinubu and Shettima return victorious in the 2027 election.
