South-East leaders Like Umahi, Uzodimma, Okorocha, and Others absent at Shettima’s unveiling

Public office aspirants, Governors and delegates of the South-East  were  missing at the presentation of the A P C’ Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday.  Kashim’s unveiling took place at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, amid the presence of heavy security operatives. In attendance were party chieftains, members of the National Working Committee and leadership of the APC led by Senator Abdullahi Adamu and National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore.

Others were former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole; former Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio; Governors Kayode Fayemi, Babagana Zulum, Atiku Bagudu and Abdullahi Ganduje. However, the absence of South East political leaders and governors got many wondering whether it was a coincidence or deliberate.  They include former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ikeobasi Mokelu; former Minister of State for Education, Dr Ogbonnaya…

Asiwaju Tinubu, the APC’s presidential candidate, told Nigerians in his speech that he was pleased to present Shettima as someone who shared his political views and would ensure the party’s electoral success in the 2023 election. “I stand prepared to make this journey, and today I am very happy to stand shoulder to shoulder with my good friend, brother, and running mate, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima,” he stated.

There has been a lot said and published about my choice of Senator Shettima as my traveling companion. I have read and listened to everything that has been written and spoken because I am a devoted democrat and progressive. It has been a difficult and emotional time. I am aware of the intensity of feelings some members of our party have shown, and I value and appreciate every viewpoint.The vibrant unveiling ceremony on Wednesday almost suffered from a protest at the party secretariat that happened almost simultaneously with the event.

On Wednesday morning, hundreds of protesters stormed the All Progressives Congress national secretariat to voice their displeasure with the party’s stance on the contentious Muslim-Muslim ticket which may cause the defeat  of the  party come 2023.