Barring last minute changes, immediate past governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima, would be picked as running mate to All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, multiple sources privy to the various high-wire meetings on the issue, told Vanguard yesterday.
The sources said that the APC presidential candidate would do a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Asked about the chances of Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, who is a Christian, one of the sources said “some people are the ones toying with the idea. He (Tinubu) cannot run with Simon Lalong.’’
He added that some close allies of Tinubu believe that Shettima, who knew Tinubu’s ambition, should be a beneficiary.
When asked if Shettima’s choice was definite, the source said: “Nothing is concrete for now. His name was among those being mentioned. The others are not being mentioned the way Shettima is being mentioned.
“The likes of Boss Mustapha are also being mentioned. Shettima remains the top choice.”
This came as Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) said the best option for Tinubu is to pick a Muslim running mate to brighten his chances of winning the 2023 presidential poll.
Meanwhile, the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has raised a panel headed by former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, to screen vice-presidential nominees led by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who on Tuesday was recommended for the slot by a selection committee of the party.
The Ikimi committee was set up by the National Working Committee, NWC, yesterday.
The screening panel which is scheduled to meet candidates today (Thursday) has former Kogi governor, Captain Idris Wada and former AviMinisternister, Osita Casska as members.
Others are Binta Bello, Mutiat Adedoja, Austin Opara, Aisha Madawaki, George Ologun, Chidiebelu Mofus, Fidelis Tapgun and Akilu Indabawa who will serve as secretary.
This was contained in a statement signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.
He said the NWC set up the panel under Part V1, paragraph 14 of the Electoral Guidelines of the party.
(Vanguard)
