By Caleb Ishaya
A member of the National Working Committee , NWC, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Aare Hon.Tolu Bankole, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed confidence in Vice President Kashim Shettima as evidence of a strong and effective partnership that has successfully overcome the early scepticism surrounding their administration.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Bankole said the President’s decision to retain Shettima as his running mate underscores the administration’s commitment to continuity, competence and stable governance. According to him, the Tinubu–Shettima ticket was subjected to widespread criticism ahead of the 2023 general elections, with concerns raised over religious balancing, regional representation and the duo’s ability to govern effectively together.”Many predicted that the pairing would not work.
Some questioned the character, the chemistry and the capacity of the partnership to steer Nigeria through difficult times.Three years on, those predictions have been proven wrong,” Bankole said. He commended Vice President Shettima for what he described as his pivotal role in coordinating key government programmes, including the activities of the National Economic Council, humanitarian and poverty alleviation initiatives, as well as diplomatic engagements aimed at advancing the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Bankole said Shettima has consistently demonstrated competence, loyalty and humility in supporting the President while deliberately avoiding unnecessary public attention.”The Vice President has been more than a constitutional spare tyre. He has been a genuine partner in governance, a stabilising force and a bridge between the government and critical stakeholders at both the state and grassroots levels,” he stated.The APC chieftain further argued that President Tinubu’s decision reflects a commitment to policy continuity, particularly in the areas of fiscal reforms, infrastructure development, security and social investment programmes.
He expressed confidence that the renewed partnership would further strengthen the implementation of government policies ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially in the areas of food security, job creation, the digital economy and national security.
Bankole urged party members, public office holders and Nigerians to continue supporting the Tinubu-led administration in achieving its development agenda. He added that sustained unity at the highest level of government would help ensure that ongoing reforms are consolidated and that the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda are fully realised.
