The National Vice Chairman (North-East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mustapha Salihu, has clarified why he endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu without explicitly mentioning Vice President Kashim Shettima during the recent APC North-East stakeholders’ summit in Gombe State.
Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, Salihu explained that his action was in line with established party procedures and constitutional protocols.
“In the last paragraph of my full speech, just before calling for Tinubu’s endorsement, I extolled Vice President Kashim Shettima, acknowledging him as our son from the North-East and reaffirming our unwavering support for him,” Salihu stated.
He also lauded other key political figures from the region, including the National Security Adviser and ministers appointed from the North-East, crediting President Tinubu for their appointments.
Salihu emphasized that his endorsement was strictly for the presidential candidate, in keeping with the political convention and constitutional framework of the APC.
“In our party structure, endorsements are reserved for aspirants seeking the presidential ticket. The party does not endorse a joint ticket at the primary level,” he explained.
He further noted that the choice of a running mate is made solely by the presidential candidate after securing the party’s ticket, though internal consultations may inform the decision.
Salihu’s clarification comes amid speculation and criticism over the perceived slight against Shettima during the high-profile summit.
