Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday revealed how some people allegedly tried to persuade him to develop mistrust between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu soon after taking office and even accused him of plotting to assassinate the President and take over the power.
Shettima made the disclosure in an unusual and dramatic manner after just three months into the administration of President Tinubu in 2023.
The Vice President said that some people in Borno State told the President these were “charmed” clothes that he should not wear during the election campaign.
Shettima recounted how, on an official visit to China, President Tinubu personally informed him of the claims when he returned, and disclosed that he had met the former President.Shettima said President Tinubu personally told him of the claims upon his return from an official visit to China, where he was representing the Nigerian President, and that he was acquainted with the former President.
Shettima quoted the President to say, “Sit down.” I have received a message from your people saying that I should quit wearing Shettima clothes”.
But Tinubu rejected the allegations almost immediately, making a statement that they were illogical and politically untenable, the Vice President said.
According to him, the President reasoned that at the time the clothes were given to him, both men were merely aspirants and there was no certainty either would emerge as presidential candidate or vice-presidential running mate.
“He said when you gave me those clothes, I was an aspirant. I would not have been a candidate, not you as a vice-presidential candidate either,” Shettima said.
The Vice President’s show of confidence and solidarity was deliberate, as he revealed that President Tinubu continued to wear the clothes over and over after their discussion.
He added that President Tinubu wore those clothes for a week after our discussion.
The details of the revelations gave a rare glimpse into the shadowy dynamics of suspicion, intrigue and political manoeuvre that often accompany high-level power dynamics in Nigeria’s political space, and in new administrations in particular.
The revelation of the matter came as a result of the level of trust that has so far characterised the relationship between Tinubu and Shettima, despite the political coalitions and speculations of power realignment within the administration since taking office.
The words elicited quick responses from political observers, who were reading between the lines in the anecdote for clues as to loyalty, intraparty dynamics and the challenges facing the president.
Shettima’s statements finally painted a picture of a presidency that is not just grappling with the problems of governance, but also with the intricate web of political interest, suspicion and elite tussle that characterise power at the top of the Nigerian federation.
