Shettima Clarifies Remarks About Northern Governors' Support for Tinubu in 2023
Vice President Kashim Shettima clarified that his reference to six northern governors was about political consultations before the APC primary in June 2022, not about their stance after Tinubu became the party’s candidate.

In Brief
- •Vice President Kashim Shettima clarified that his reference to six northern governors was about political consultations before the APC primary in June 2022, not about their stance after Tinubu became the party’s candidate.
- •The statement emphasized that after the primary, the northern governors rallied behind Tinubu and helped secure his victory in the 2023 general election.
- •Shettima expressed regret over any misinterpretation of his remarks and urged media to provide accurate context in reporting.
- •The clarification was issued on 17 September 2026 by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha.
- •The Vice President praised Nigerian media for professionalism and called for accurate reporting as the country approaches another political season.
Why It Matters
The clarification addresses potential misunderstandings about the political alignment of northern governors with the ruling APC and President Tinubu, which could influence public perception of intra-party dynamics. Accurate reporting on such statements is crucial for maintaining trust in media and ensuring that political narratives are based on verified facts, especially as Nigeria prepares for future electoral cycles.
Key Details
- Clarification Date
- 2026-09-17
- Number of Governors Referenced
- Six
- APC Primary Year
- 2022
- Presidential Election Year
- 2023
- Party
- APC
- Vice President
- Kashim Shettima
Context & Background
The 2023 Nigerian presidential election saw Bola Tinubu, the APC candidate, win the presidency. Northern governors have historically played significant roles in shaping political outcomes within the party, making their support a focal point of political analysis.
Original Reporting & Sources
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