Tinubu gave you succour when PDP chased you in 2007, Shettima tackles Atiku

Vice President Kashim Shettima criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Saturday, reminding him that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu provided him with political refuge and a platform to contest in the 2007 presidential election. Speaking at the APC presidential campaign launch in Kaduna, Shettima emphasized Tinubu's consistent support for northern politicians over the years and urged the region to back him for a second term.

Shettima dismissed claims that Tinubu dislikes the North, citing his support for various northern politicians, including Atiku, Nuhu Ribadu, and Muhammadu Buhari at different times. He stated, "President Tinubu is one person who has fiercely identified with the North over the years."

Shettima highlighted Atiku's experience when he was chased out of the PDP in 2007 and found support in Tinubu, who gave him a platform to contest. He also recalled Tinubu's role in backing Ribadu's presidential ambition in 2011 and his key role in Buhari's victories in the 2015 and 2019 elections. The VP argued that the APC's appeal to northern voters is based on the administration's record, not sentiment.

During his speech, APC Presidential Campaign Council Director-General, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, defended Tinubu against allegations of being unfavorable to northern interests. Yari challenged critics to explain why the North should not support the president, asserting that Tinubu has repeatedly sacrificed his personal ambitions to support northern politicians.

He asked, "In 2007, when Atiku was chased out of the PDP, Tinubu gave him a platform. In 2011, he supported our son, Nuhu Ribadu, even though he could have contested himself. In 2015, he supported Buhari to victory. Today, what evidence do we have not to support him for a second term?" Yari expressed confidence in Tinubu's re-election, citing his record and strong relationship with the North, which would work in his favor at the polls.