BREAKING: Tinubu picks Kashim Shettima as running mate

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate, has named former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, as his running mate ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

Tinubu disclosed this to journalists after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Bello Massari in Katsina on Sunday, July 10, 2022.

Recall that the former Lagos State Governor had earlier submitted the name of Alhaji Kabir Ibrahim Masari, a Katsina politician, as a placeholder in order to meet up with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline.

With the INEC deadline for substitution of candidates fast approaching, Tinubu, who was in Katsina to pay Sallah homage to Buhari, disclosed that Masari has withdrawn his nomination as his running mate, "and there is already an announcement to replace him fully with substantive candidate, Kashim Shettima."

In a statement released on Sunday to confirm his withdrawal, Masari said his decision will enable Tinubu to give "more accomodation and inclusion" that will position the APC to the coming elections.

He said, "Recall that I had the singular honour and privilege of being nominated as the running-mate to Asiwaju Tinubu last month after a keenly contested presidential primaries ahead of the 2023 general elections."

"But, after much reflection and wider consultations, I now wish to step down. I realized that my decision will enable Asiwaju have more latitude to give more accommodation and inclusion that will position our party to win the coming elections, with the support of the people of Nigeria."

The 55-year-old Shettima was a two-term governor of the Northeastern Borno State from 2011 to 2019 and currently represents Borno Central in the Nigerian Senate.

He's a former banker and agricultural economist and an alumni of the University of Maiduguri and the University of Ibadan.