They Told Tinubu I Wanted Him Dead — Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that shortly after President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, some individuals from Borno State allegedly warned the President against wearing traditional outfits Shettima had given him during the election campaign.

According to the Vice President, the individuals claimed the clothes had been spiritually manipulated and could lead to Tinubu’s death, paving the way for Shettima to become president.

Shettima made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of the autobiography of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), titled My Life of Duty and Allegiance.

Representing President Tinubu at the event, Shettima used the story to highlight what he described as the growing culture of suspicion in Nigerian politics and society.

He contrasted the situation with an earlier era of trust, recalling an account by the Sultan of Sokoto about how Gowon used to receive gallons of fura sent weekly from Sokoto to Dodan Barracks without suspicion.

“Suspicion smears our relationships, and it ought not to be. We are essentially one people tied to a common destiny,” Shettima said.

Narrating his experience, the Vice President explained that during the 2023 presidential campaign, he sourced traditional Borno attire and a cap for Tinubu to wear while campaigning in Northern Nigeria.

According to him, the outfits became popular during the campaign and were repeatedly worn by Tinubu.

However, the controversy emerged shortly after the administration came into office.

Shettima said that after returning from Beijing, China, where he represented Tinubu at the Belt and Road Initiative Forum in October 2023, the President summoned him and recounted the allegation made by the visitors from Borno.

“They said I must have been charmed, and that I am going to die and you will become the president,” Shettima quoted Tinubu as saying.

The Vice President said Tinubu immediately dismissed the claim, arguing that it made no logical sense because, at the time the clothes were given to him, neither of them had secured the APC ticket.

According to Shettima, Tinubu deliberately wore the outfits continuously for one week to publicly dismiss the allegations.

“For one week, to prove to them that he is not fetish, he wore those dresses,” he said.

Shettima also praised Gowon’s leadership, describing him as a symbol of unity, reconciliation and national service, while calling on Nigerians to reject division and mistrust.