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Kashim Shettima’s Re-emergence Ends The Conversation.

Published

4 months ago

July 11, 2026

By: Inuwa Bwala.

In recent months, speculations, that the APC or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, might drop Kashim Shettima, as Presidential running mate, gained traction.
Infact, the seeming ommission of the vice President’s image from banners at some political meets, and the attendant calls from some groups for a Christian northern running mate, seemed to lend sensationalize the narrative. Even with the party’s swift response to the effect that, there was no such contemplation in the APC calculations, the debate refused to go away.
National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka called such reports, suggesting a purported plan to alter the ticket, as “purely speculative, untrue, and utterly baseless”, yet, some people still pushed the narrative.

At every turn, party leaders had consistently debunked such speculations.
I have had cause, in my earlier write ups, to put the matter to rest. I argued that such speculstionsare both mischievousand untenable, for which I have been called names.
The APC in Borno and other stakeholders have gone further to openly protest and urged Tinubu to retain Shettima.
I may be wrong, but the seeming insistence from faceless agitators, that the Vice President should be dropped for a so-called balancing, seem to suggest that, there might have been fifth columnists involved. Very often, those who argue in that direction fail to take into consideration three factors, which to me explain Shettima’s staying power, as the most suitable choice.
Nigerians may agree with me that, one of Shettima’s highest selling points, remains his loyalty to the President.
Having worked with President Tinubu as vice President for the last three years, analysts often describe Shettima as the most loyal deputy in nearly three decades of democratic governsnce in Nigeria.
It is an open secret, that, the Tinubu-Shettima pairing has shown no public friction or hidden turbulence. Shettima has largely played the role of policy interpreter and political stabilizer, avoiding the missteps that often create distance between principals and deputies.
In a system where presidential power is increasingly personalized, that trust matters more than any zoning arithmetic.
I have said it before, that, in terms of public presentations and eloquence, whenever delegated to stand inn for Tinubu, Kashim Shettima has discharged himself so well, and has often been sern, as the face of the Tinubu administration.
Again, Kashim Shettima’s re-emergenence was borne out the consideration, that, Shettima adds more value to the system.
In my recent piece, I argued that, political calculations should never be about ethnic or religious optics, rather, about competence and capacity. This to me, is another factor which informed Tinubu’s bold decission to retain Shettima.
In 2022/23, the ticket sparked national debate over religious balancing but the eventual operational concord between Tinubu and Shettima, seem to have doused that.
An now, the calculus appears to have shifted, with Party leaders arguing that Nigerians have overgrown the sentiment of choosing its leaders based on religious or ethnic considerations.
In this apprent regard, the party prioritizes competence and capacity.
Far beyond these keeping Shettima, to me preserves continuity of the Renewed Hope agenda and avoids the internal division that a last-minute swap could trigger.
The North-Central APC Forum, had even warned that replacing him could endanger the party’s electoral prospects in 2027. This is against the backdrop of some of the advocates of change, coming from that region.
Even with the agitations that overheated the polity, one fact remains that, neither timing nor party control, posed much challenge to President
Tinubu in making his choice, this time around. He faces no serious challenges, in contrast to what happened in 2023, when he contended with multifaceted counter currents. Tinubu and Shettima may already be coasting home to victory, with governors, National Assembly leadership and the National Working Committee of the APC, already endorsing the ticket. “Tinubu is completely in charge of the body and soul of the APC”, somebody argued. Even before the submission of their names, there had never been any emergent signals of any possible alteration of the Tinubu/Shettima ticket.

The re-emergence of Kashim Shettima is therefore less a comeback than a consolidation. Shettima was never politically irrelevant, as he has been visible on economic diplomacy, forthright on security engagements, and versatile in defending the administration’s policies. What has changed is that the debate has moved from “can a Muslim-Muslim ticket work?” in 2023, to “can Tinibu and Shettima sustain the tempo”?”
Critics may still point to the optics of the ticket given the serming unrepentance of vested interests, who weaponize it, but as it is, Tinubu has managed the expectations of Nigerians very well, without fracturing the coalition which is a test of his political dexterity.

The APC hierarchy, in presenting Tinubu and Shettima are pointing in one direction and Shettima’s re-emergence is less about dramatic reinvention and more about durability.
In an administration selling stability and policy continuity, keeping the same deputy may be the clearest message of the formula, for a better 2027 and beyond.
Kashim Shettima’s place on the ticket looks increasingly settled, not because the conversation will end, but because the party has decided that this is how it should be.

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Kwara celebrates Fela’s legacy with retrospective exhibition

Published

14 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.

The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.

“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.

“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.

The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.

The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.

AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.

He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.

“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.

According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.

“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.

“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.

In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.

“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”

The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.

She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.

“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.

“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.

“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”

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2027: Ilorin West LG Boss Leads APC Mega Rally In Ubandawaki

Published

14 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

•••Says Ward stands with APC

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.

Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.

The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.

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KW-IRS Staff Threaten Strike Over Alleged Poor Remuneration

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2026

Our Reporter

Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.

In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.

The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.

“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”

The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.

It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”

According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.

The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.

Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.

It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.

Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.

“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.

It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:

“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members

“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.

“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.

“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.

“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.

“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”