You All Know That We’ve 19 States In The North, Out Of These, Only 6 Actually Believed, Supported BAT – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged politicians in Kwara State to embrace reconciliation after elections, warning that political disagreements should not become permanent divisions among individuals, communities and political groups.

According to a report by Punch on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Shettima made the call in Ilorin while speaking at the turbaning of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

The Vice President’s remarks came as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election, with politicians and political organisations already making strategic preparations and considering possible alliances.

Shettima urged politicians in Kwara to view elections as temporary periods of political competition rather than contests that should permanently damage relationships.

He said individuals could find themselves on opposing sides during an election and still work together after the contest to address issues affecting their communities.

He encouraged political actors in the state to reflect on the events surrounding the 2023 presidential election and use the experience as an example of why reconciliation remains important after political contests.

According to Shettima, political disagreements are a normal feature of democratic competition, but politicians should be willing to put their differences aside once elections are concluded.

He argued that maintaining relationships after an election could create room for cooperation and reduce unnecessary tension among political actors.

The Vice President also recalled the political challenges President Bola Tinubu faced during the 2023 presidential election, particularly the limited support he received from governors in parts of northern Nigeria at the time.

Shettima said that despite the political opposition Tinubu encountered, the President remained committed to his presidential ambition and continued with his campaign.

He said, “You all know that we have 19 states in the North. Out of these, only six actually believed and supported Tinubu, but Tinubu refused to be deterred. He was able to cross the road.”

Shettima presented Tinubu’s experience as an example of the changing nature of political relationships.

According to him, politicians who may oppose one another during an election can later find themselves working together, making it important not to allow temporary disagreements to destroy long-term relationships.

The Vice President further pointed to Tinubu’s willingness to reconcile with politicians who had opposed his presidential ambition during the 2023 election.

He described this as an indication that political leaders should be prepared to move beyond past disagreements when circumstances change.

He therefore encouraged politicians in Kwara State to adopt a similar approach as the 2027 election approaches, stressing the importance of restraint and reconciliation in maintaining stability within the state.

Shettima noted that political positions and electoral contests are not permanent. Politicians may compete against one another during one election and subsequently become allies or colleagues in government and public affairs.

He urged political actors to remember that while elections have clearly defined periods, relationships within communities continue long after the ballots have been counted. For this reason, he advised politicians to avoid actions or statements that could create divisions that persist beyond the election season.

The Vice President’s message was delivered at a traditional ceremony that brought together political leaders, traditional rulers and other prominent figures in Ilorin.

Governor AbdulRazaq’s installation as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate provided the setting for Shettima to emphasise the importance of unity and cooperation among political actors.

With the 2027 elections approaching, Shettima’s remarks placed particular emphasis on the need for politicians in Kwara to compete within democratic rules while preserving relationships and remaining open to reconciliation after the contests.

COURTESY: Gnewss