Masari Officially Steps Down As Tinubu’s Running Mate

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kabir Ibrahim Masari, has officially stepped down as the running mate of the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Naija News reports that Tinubu had earlier submitted the name of the APC chieftain to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a placeholder until a substantive running mate is announced.

However, the APC Presidential flagbearer has confirmed former Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2023 election.

In a letter he personally signed on Sunday, Masari has confirmed that he has stepped down as the running mate to Tinubu and has submitted his withdrawal letter and affidavit to that effect.

He stated his decision will enable Tinubu to give more accommodation and inclusion that will position the APC to win the coming elections, with the support of the people of Nigeria.

Masari, however, expressed hope that he can still serve the ruling party and the country in several other roles.

The letter reads: “This is to inform our esteemed party leaders under our able President Muhammadu Buhari, teeming party members and the great people of Nigeria, of the outcome of a crucial discussion I just had with the flag-bearer of our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Recall that I had the singular honour and privilege of being nominated as the running-mate to Asiwaju Tinubu last month after keenly contested presidential primaries ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“But, after much reflection and wider consultations, I now wish to step down. I realized that my decision will enable Asiwaju to have more latitude to give more accommodation and inclusion that will position our party to win the coming elections, with the support of the people of Nigeria.

“In stepping down, I believe I can still serve our party and the country in several other capacities.

“I wish to confirm that I have submitted my withdrawal letter and affidavit to that effect as the vice-presidential candidate to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed TInubu in the coming elections.

“On behalf of myself and family, I wish to sincerely thank Asiwaju Tinubu — the Incoming President, Insha Allah — for his trust in me and we promise to remain steadfast in our support for him and the party.”

This article was originally published on Naija News