Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad has said the political partnership between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima should be seen from an ethnic and regional point of view, not as a Muslim–Muslim ticket. Ahmad explained that focusing only on religion creates unnecessary tension, while ignoring the political realities that shaped the alliance.
According to him, Tinubu represents the Yoruba people of the South-West, while Shettima represents the Kanuri from the North-East, making the ticket a blend of two strong ethnic groups with strategic political influence. He said the choice was based on competence, political strength, and experience, not just religious identity. Ahmad stressed that reducing the ticket to religion alone weakens the real meaning behind the partnership.
He argued that Nigeria has always balanced political power using different factors such as ethnicity, region, and capacity. Ahmad insisted that Tinubu and Shettima’s team follows this pattern and should be judged by their performance and ability to deliver on national issues. He added that the administration needs support, not constant religious debate that divides the country.
Ahmad urged Nigerians to focus on unity and national progress rather than religious classifications. He maintained that the Tinubu–Shettima leadership represents a wider coalition of ethnic interests and should be viewed through the lens of political structure, competence, and national development rather than religious identity.
