KASHIM SHETTIMA
Politics rewards memory, and today, memory must begin with gratitude.
Before we speak of maps and margins, we must acknowledge the singular role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in building the very culture of opposition that brought us here.
Long before power came calling, he stood when it was unfashionable to stand, organised when it was dangerous to organise, and funded democracy when silence was safer. Nigeria’s opposition did not survive by accident; it survived because one man refused to surrender political space.
Let me say this plainly and with a smile: the APC is fortunate that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not in opposition today. He is the kind of fighter you pray never stands across the ring from you twice. His experience is not just history; it is the armour of this party, forged in resistance, sharpened by survival, and perfected by victory.
In 2015, we won 21 states because Nigerians believed in change and because our coalition was disciplined.
In 2019, we retained power with 19 states, learning that incumbency protects but does not persuade. In 2023, we won the presidency with 12 states, anchored by the North West, North East, South West, North Central and largely absent in the South East, which again chose a different party.
Yet through all three elections, our constants have endured. The South East has never voted as a bloc for any party. PDP yesterday, Labour Party today. The issue has never been ideology; it has always been belonging, relevance, and negotiation. Where engagement is episodic, loyalty cannot be permanent.
As we look to 2027, one truth stands above all others: defections follow confidence. And confidence today flows from trust in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. People do not cross over because of slogans; they cross over because they trust judgement, courage, and staying power. They know that our President understands opposition, understands power, and understands how to keep faith with those who take political risks.
Elections are not won by noise or nostalgia. They are won by coalitions, credibility, and conviction. With the experience of our President as our shield, and the lessons of the past as our guide, I believe that 2027 is not a gamble. It is a responsibility.
Thank you.
– Senator Shettima is the Vice President of Nigeria and made this remarks at the governing APC National Executive Committee Meeting in Abuja