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KASHIM SHETTIMA AND THE PROVERBIAL LIZARD RESTING ON A WATER KEG.

Published

4 months ago

January 22, 2026

By: Inuwa Bwala.
They seem to have come a long way, and they are the only two people that know the chord that have kept them bonded.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, know very well where they stand in the ongoing permutations against the 2027 elections.
Their coordinated silence and keeping their game plans to their chests have perhaps been the secret why they have not allowed the polity to be overheated.
I give them thumbs up, for maintaining their balance, even in the face of deliberate provocations.
Reading the story about perceived pressures, being mounted on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to drop his Vice for another, and the attendant suspense from their silence on the matter is a subject for another day.
But the noise being generated reminds me about a story my late mother used to tell me.
It was the story of the mystery egg, which portends death in the family of anybody who sees it.
Whoever sees the egg, whether he or she picks it, or leaves it: one of his or her parents shall die.
This story also aligns with the Nigerian proverb, about the lizard resting on a pot of water.
Attempting to chase the lizard away could break the pot and spill the water, yet allowing it to be could lead to the contamination of the water.
Although it is still at the level of speculations amongst some elements within the ruling All Ptogressives Congress, APC, it is trite that, we disect the likely implications of replacing Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, as running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 Presidential race.
It started as a rumor, but it is gradually gaining prominence in political discourse.
Since the ugly incidence in Gombe during the zonal rally of the APC last year, at which Kashim Shettima’s name and picture were omitted from the list of political leaders of the North East, to the most recent public hearing on the review of the APC constitution in Maiduguri where again Shettimas name and picture were ommitted; one is bound to suspect that, there may be deliberate efforts to force the Vice President out of the system.
Both incidents had sparked outrage from Borno State delegates in Gombe, and by the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, at the Maiduguri meet.
At every turn, prominent Nigerians have warned, that, any attempt to force Shettima out shall be counter productive to the APC’s strategy in the 2027 elections.
As rightfully observed by my senior colleague, Dr Ruben Abatti, in a recent opinion on the subject matter, the reactions to these suspicious developments, highlight Kashim Shettima’s significance, in APC’ calculations in the North East region, ahead of 2027.
To my mind, those trying to force the script on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are being uncharitable given the fact that; as the highest-ranking politician from the North East region and the attendant roles he has been playing in securing the support of key Northern states for the APC, It may be Tinubu’s costliest political miscalculation, to sacrifice him.
Seemingly ridding on the back of religious balancing, one may be tempted to ask, if Tinubu, who nominated Shettima as his running mate, had found Shettima wanting or working against the intetest of other religions, having worked with him for two and a half years now?
Like him or not, Kashim Shettims has given very good account of himself as a loyal, competent, dependable and a politically suave personality.
Removing Shettima at a time many Nigerians are beggining to accept the Tinubu administration, because of Shettima’s many interventions, could further re-open healing wounds, and his growing fans could turn reluctant, in supporting the APC.
As rightfully observed, the North East, where Shettima holds the aces could be alienated, and his fellow Muslim voters, may look other ways.
There is this wise saying that, “You dont change a winning team in the middle of the game”. Applying this wisdom may save Tinubu in the face of an impending destabilization of the APC’s electoral calculations.
Without prejudice to the political values of those being touted as possible replacements: including, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Yakubu Dogara, General Christopher Musa, and even Shettimas political godson, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the odds are still in favour of retaining the old ticket.
Whether necessiated by internal dynamics or fueled by perceived external pressures, from the United States, President Tinubu is safer, working with the devil he now knows.
I make bold to state that, Kashim Shettima weilds an intimidating political credentials, which resonates with many Nigerians, who did not hitherto knew who Shettima is.
Kashim Shettima is politically sagacious, with the capacity to turn around the ship heading for the rocks.
His influence over electorates in the North East cannot be underrated
and if I may suggest maintaining Shettima as President Tinubu’s running mate in 2027, would not only ensure continuity, but also stability, and regional balance, as analyst argue.
While others may argue otherwise, I see Shettima as the proverbial lizard hanging on a pot filled with drinking water. One risks stonning the lizard and break the pot or allow the lizard to spoil the water.

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Abuja Building Collapse: Wike Orders Full Probe, Engineer Arrested

Published

20 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered a full investigation into the building collapse in Abuja, revealing that an engineer connected to the project has already been arrested.

Wike also disclosed that the developer behind the structure would be arrested as investigations continue. He said a panel had been constituted to determine the exact cause of the collapse.

Speaking during a visit to the scene on Monday, the Minister described the incident as “very pathetic,” stressing that the government would not compromise on the safety of residents.

“From the report I received, five persons lost their lives while some others were rescued. Nobody is happy when lives are lost,” Wike said.

He confirmed that the Department of Development Control had sealed off the site, adding that preliminary investigations were already underway pending the panel’s final report.

“One of the engineers has already been arrested. From there, we will get to the developer, and the developer will also be arrested,” he stated.

Wike warned developers against obstructing officials of the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA) from carrying out routine inspections on construction sites.

According to him, some developers resort to blackmail whenever government agencies attempt to enforce building regulations instead of complying with laid-down standards.

“Sometimes when government officials take action at construction sites, some people choose to blackmail them rather than understand why such actions are necessary,” he said.

The Minister emphasized the need for strict compliance with building standards, including proper soil testing and the use of quality materials, to prevent future tragedies.

“In every building project, the quality of materials used must be verified. Soil tests must also be conducted to determine whether the land can support two floors, three floors, or more. These things are very important,” he explained.

Wike maintained that the government’s primary responsibility is the protection of lives and property, lamenting that the lives lost in the incident could never be replaced.

“How can those lives be brought back? They are gone forever. Government has a duty to protect life and property,” he added.

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Shettima withdraws from Kaduna Central Senate race, backs APC candidates , Shehu Sani

Published

20 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Our Reporter

From Hassan Taiye

Former Kaduna Central senatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yerima Shettima.
A former Kaduna Central senatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yerima Shettima, has withdrawn from the race and pledged support for all candidates of the party ahead of the forthcoming general election.

Shettima announced his withdrawal at a press conference on Sunday, saying the decision followed extensive consultations and careful reflection.
The former aspirant explained that his action was taken in deference to the decision of the APC regarding the Kaduna Central senatorial contest.
“After wide consultations and deep reflection, I have decided to respect the decision of our great party regarding the senatorial contest,” he said.

He stressed that the withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of fear or weakness, but as a demonstration of loyalty to party unity and discipline.

“This decision is not borne out of fear, weakness or cowardice, but rather from my unwavering commitment to party unity, discipline and collective progress,” Shettima stated.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the ruling party and vowed to continue supporting its success at all levels.
“As a loyal and committed party man, I remain steadfast in my support for the APC and reaffirm my readiness to

continue contributing my quota towards the victory of our great party,” he added.
Shettima also appealed to his supporters and political associates to remain calm and support candidates produced by the APC.

“The unity and success of the APC must remain our collective priority,” he said.
The former aspirant further called for reconciliation among aggrieved party members to strengthen cohesion within the party ahead of the elections.
He expressed appreciation to members of the Capacity Movement, led by Sani Shehu Sado, and his campaign council for their support during the political process.

Shettima also reaffirmed his support for the President and the Kaduna State Governor.
“I hereby formally announce my withdrawal from the Kaduna Central Senatorial race in good spirit and align accordingly with party decisions,” he declared.

The development comes amid growing political realignments within the APC in Kaduna State following the party’s recent primary elections, which produced candidates for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In recent weeks, some aspirants and party stakeholders have raised concerns over the conduct of the primaries, alleging irregularities and manipulation in certain contests.

However, party leaders have continued to urge aggrieved members to embrace reconciliation and work for the unity of the APC.

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Mustapha in senatorial race with Gov AbdulRazaq despite denial

Published

20 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni Ilorin

Despite denial, documents Indicate that Senator Saliu Mustapha Is in the Kwara Central senatorial race Against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Despite claims of backing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s senatorial bid for the Kwara Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, party documents reveal that the incumbent Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, is in the race against Governor AbdulRazaq.

According to party documents, while Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is listed as No. 17 among the cleared aspirants to participate in today’s senatorial race in Kwara State, Sen. Saliu Mustapha is listed as No. 18, making him the only contestant against the Kwara State Governor for the Kwara Central senatorial seat.

Meanwhile, Senator Mustapha had, via a statement issued by his media assistant, Nasir Sholagberu, earlier today, claimed he is backing Governor AbdulRazaq for Kwara Central Senate, while calling for peaceful and orderly primaries.

Speaking on the Kwara Central Senatorial District contest, the Senator expressed strong support for the aspiration of the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is the sole contestant for the APC senatorial ticket in the district ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the emergence of Governor AbdulRazaq as the lone aspirant is a clear indication of the immense respect, acceptance, and confidence he enjoys among party stakeholders and members across the state.

Senator Mustapha noted that the development reflects the belief among party leaders and stakeholders that Governor AbdulRazaq deserves such recognition and preeminence in view of his contributions to the growth and stability of the party and the state.

He further wished the Governor and all other aspirants participating in the primaries across the state a peaceful, successful, and rancour-free exercise.

The appearance of Sen. Saliu on the list of contestants for the Kwara Central Senatorial race has, however, raised concerns among Kwarans, who expected that the Senator was actually in the race for the Kwara State gubernatorial election.