Although Senator Kashim Shettima currently represents the Borno Central Senatorial District as one of Nigeria’s elite federal lawmakers, the immediate past governor of Borno State rose to prominence for his tactical, strategic, and most ingenious handling of the kidnapping of Chibok girls in 2014.

While it was customary for a typical Nigerian governor to wait for the sitting President’s directive in such a tragic event of monumental national embarrassment, Shettima acted quickly, meeting with security agencies, civilian JTF, local hunters, and community leaders in an attempt to ensure the girls’ immediate release. He also announced a reward of N50 million for accurate information that leads to the girls’ location.

But his eventual prominence to national limelight came in January 2022 during a conference organized by the Support Groups Management Council (SGMC) in Abuja, when he dared all odds, including power brokers and aristocrats in the North, to boldly and courageously hit the nail on the head by affirming that it was Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who ensured the emergence of Buhari as APC presidential candidate and indeed, significantly contributed in no small measure to his ascendance.

He went on to say that Tinubu and his progressive team stuck steady behind Buhari when other competitors with large war chests were vying for the ticket. He boldly stated that power should move to the South in 2023 for equity, justice, and fairness to prevail, and that Tinubu, in particular, should be given the right of first refusal because he has sacrificed more than anybody else for the APC.

Shettima has been the most outspoken, candid, and brave northern politician in support of a southern presidency. It should be emphasized that at the time Shettima threw the bomb, his political future was clearly in jeopardy because it was unclear whether Tinubu would be given the ticket. Nonetheless, he was unconcerned and undeterred. For him, the truth is sacred and must be told as it is.

What other attributes could a presidential candidate expect from his running mate in a varied ethno-centric society like ours, especially given the antagonism, turmoil, and deep-seated hatred that reigned supreme during the Obasanjo/Atiku presidency?

Surprisingly, between Tinubu and Shettima, there is a steady beat that burns like wildfire. There is a strong sense of brotherhood in that relationship. There is an undeniable chemistry between the two, and it is up to all of us to ensure that this developing partnership is duplicated in other sectors of our national life. If permitted, it would undoubtedly set the tone for renaissance Nigeria.

It’s also worth noting that Shettima will represent the booming Nigerian youth population in the mix. At 55, the former governor of Borno State is dynamic, robust, intelligent, nimble, quick-witted, and mobile, providing a balance between the young and the old. He would thus complement the APC presidential candidate, who has clearly passed the age of 60.

We also have two leaders that have an admirable grip and deep understanding of economic concerns. At least, come 2023 and beyond, Nigerians are assured of better coordination of the economy, perhaps with the nation bidding bye-bye to policy inconsistency and economic somersault, a new era of robustness in the nation’s management of fiscal and monetary policies, with the Central Bank of Nigeria authority rightfully mandated to operate within their boundary.

At this point, I believe Nigeria is in a dangerous situation. The country’s economy is in a sorry situation. The real sector of the economy is clearly suffering as a result of so many manufacturing enterprises leaving Nigeria. The oil and gas sector is always confusing, and the educational sector is in turmoil.

A Tinubu/Shettima presidential bid brings new promise to the horizon. It’s a divine combination at this terrible period in Nigerian history.

I thus advise the Christian Association of Nigeria, members of opposition parties, and other stakeholders in the country to give our ticket a chance. The ticket represents our best shot for greatness.