Mallam Salihu Isa Nataro, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former gubernatorial aspirant in Kebbi State, has called on Vice President Kashim Shettima to voluntarily resign from the Tinubu administration.
He argued that such a move would demonstrate goodwill and commitment to national unity and the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nataro’s call comes amid ongoing debates over the 2027 elections and speculations about Tinubu’s potential choice of a new running mate.
He claimed that even before the recent controversy in Gombe State, where tensions flared over Vice President Shettima’s omission during an APC summit endorsement of Tinubu, it was clear that Shettima no longer enjoys the President’s full confidence.
He urged Shettima to step aside honorably.
“I have seen APC party officials fighting to strengthen the party before the next elections, especially in Gombe, where the discussion was about the best running mate to President Tinubu.”
“My attitude to that is that the ball is now on Senator Shettima’s court. If he is grateful for what Tinubu did to him by picking him up as running mate in 2022 and leaving out those who worked for the party, I can boldly say that if I were in Shettima’s shoes, I would resign from office.”
Nataro further elaborated on how such a resignation could be a symbolic act of unity and sacrifice:
“I will come out with a very inspiring letter to the APC National Chairman stating that I will not run with Tinubu in 2027, but that I am prepared with my good people in North-East to campaign massively for Tinubu to win in 2027.”
He acknowledged the contributions Shettima has made to the administration, but said a graceful exit could open up a new chapter in Nigeria’s political narrative.
“On the other hand, the resignation could afford the President the opportunity to change Nigeria’s political landscape by looking for a running mate from Southern Nigeria to give the international community the impression that Nigeria is one entity.”
Nataro also said that such a move could improve the President’s image among Nigerian youths and restore faith in performance-based leadership:
“At the same time, Nigerian youths will automatically change their perception about Tinubu and start seeing the President as a hero of democracy who is always looking out for performance rather than the political interests of some unscrupulous politicians.”
He emphasized that his suggestion is not rooted in antagonism but in political strategy, national cohesion, and legacy-building.
“I admire Senator Shettima for the able way he helped President Tinubu to move the administration forward, adding that if Shettima can have the courage to toe that path, President Tinubu will have no option but to reject the resignation.”
If the Vice President chooses to act as Tinubu’s campaign coordinator for 2027 instead, Nataro believes his loyalty and leadership would be richly rewarded.
“Even God will honour Shettima beyond measure.”
Reflecting on the President’s political instincts, Nataro said Tinubu’s initial decision to choose Shettima without widespread party consultation exemplified his boldness and commitment to national interest.
He also used the opportunity to restate his support for the administration’s reform agenda, noting that he has been actively engaging with key agencies to propose cost-saving and efficiency measures.
“That is why I have been reaching out to critical agencies of the administration with proposals on how to make things work, including a reduction in the cost of governance, cost-effective project execution and appropriate personnel management.”
He highlighted specific agencies that are pivotal to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, led by Nyesom Wike.
“These agencies constitute the frontline drivers of the Renewed Hope Agenda. I hope they will reason with those submissions and recommendations,” Nataro stated.
