Choice of Shettima not threat to Christian faith – Tinubu

Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the Christian community in Nigeria that his choice of Kassim Shettima as running mate is not a threat to their fate.

Tinubu gave the assurance on Thursday at a meeting with Christian clerics under the aegis of the Pentecostal Bishops Forum of Northern Nigeria.

The former Lagos state governor said his decision was based on competence and not religious considerations, adding that only competence can resolve the political and socio-economic challenges bedevilling the nation.

The APC presidential candidate said he has always been a friend of the Christian community and he should be considered based on his track records, plans and agenda for developing Nigeria.

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“My intention is clear, not religiosity. My intention is to develop this country, to bring prosperity to our country and I have better qualifications, better track records, better exposure, and better vision than any of my mates.

“When the shortlisted names came, I looked at the characters on the list, their background and everything and here is somebody (Kassim Shetimma) who is so brilliant, so committed, who, during the crisis in Borno protected Christians,” he said.

The bishops, however, said the meeting is not an affirmation they’ll endorse APC’s candidate.

Chairman of Pentecostal Bishops Forum of Northern Nigeria, Archbishop John Praise, said, “We are not committed to endorsing anybody, but you should ask your conscience and from what you have heard and from the explanation, he (Tinubu) had given to us to make your own judgment of who will better rule and handle the country.”