By Sanni Onogu, Okodili Ndidi, Abuja, Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta and Elo Edremoda, Warri

• ‘Tinubu/Shettima ticket in Nigeria’s best interest’

• It will enhance APC’s victory, says Sankara

• Ogun chieftain: It’s a formidable force

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Network has accused those attacking the party’s presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for picking a fellow Muslim as running mate of plotting to distract him from focusing on winning the 2023 election.

In a statement by its South South Zonal Publicity Secretary, Dr. Obasogie Fred, the group argued that “those haggling and shouting down on Asiwaju Tinubu are deliberately employing distractive tendencies to misdirect the candidate and the party from the onerous task ahead”.

It added: “We will advise those against the (Muslim-Muslim) ticket to have a clear perspective on the very critical issue and discountenance religion, if we must make astronomical progress in the development of this country. We must focus on the best that will happen to Nigeria at all times.”

The support group expressed confidence in the running mate, a former Borno State governor, a former banker, an administrator, a thinker, a distinguished senator, among others.

“We in the APC Support Network praise the choice of Senator Kashim Shettima, who is eminently qualified to fit the bill, and will in no small measure help to deliver the dividends of democracy to the Nigerian people.

“But what we do not understand is the uproar that has greeted the choice of Senator Shettima from within and without, even when the rule we all accept in politics and winning elections is by the numbers. So, what is wrong with picking a person whom you know is an asset to bring victory?

Read Also: Governors: Muslim-Muslim ticket not against Christians

“Going by this dictum, we must respect the choice made by Asiwaju Tinubu and he should be left to run the election full circle. Even with the brouhaha that has greeted the pick, the consensus right now supports the APC winning the presidential election in 2023 and this will become more evident at the cast of the first ballot.”

Also, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, Danladi Abdullahi Sankara, has expressed confidence and full support for  Shettima as the running mate to Asiwaju Tinubu.

Sankara said the choice of Shettima has further brightened the chances of the ruling party to secure victory in the 2023 general election.

The committee chairman said this while addressing party leaders and supporters in Jigawa State, according to a statement by his media aide, Muhammad Nazifi, in Abuja.

“Senator Shettima is capable and well prepared. We have been together with him in the Ninth Senate and everyone is aware of his leadership capabilities.

“He will complement the efforts of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to bring about the desired progress and development of the nation.”

On the issue of Muslim-Muslim ticket, Sankara noted that there was no cause for alarm or apprehension, especially as both “Asiwaju Tinubu and Shettima are patriotic and well-meaning Nigerians who are very conscious of the requirements of equity and justice in leadership and public administration”.

He added: “…We are more particular about the capacity of the leaders to carry everyone along and we are convinced that by their track record, both Shettima and Asiwaju Tinubu are liberal minded leaders capable of carrying everyone along.

“Besides, we must all remember that this is not the first time we are having two leaders of the same faith contesting for the office of President and Vice President.

“Remember that in 1979, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, a Christian, paired with Professor Ishaya Audu, another Christian, to contest the presidency.

“In the same election circle, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a Christian, paired with Chief Philip Umeadi, another Christian, to contest the presidency…”

Also, a chieftain of the ruling party in Ogun State, Mr. Dennis Ogunnaike, has described the Asiwaju Tinubu-Senator Shettima ticket as a formidable force that will greatly enhance the party’s chances of victory at the polls.

He said: “Religious sentiment affects the unity and development of the country. That should not be our focus as we march towards the 2023 general election. All we need now is dedicated and strategic leaders who will pull Nigeria into the global economic space for total rebranding and revamping of sectoral economy to the benefit of all Nigerians inclusive,” he said.

Also, an agriculturist, Otunba Yomi Akingbade, described the APC presidential ticket as what is in the “best interest” of Nigeria.

Akingbade, who expressed his support, in a statement in Warri, Delta State, also expressed optimism in the capacity of the APC flag bearer to transform and reposition Nigeria towards greatness.