Vice-President Kashim Shettima has praised former Katsina State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, for his unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential ambition during the 2023 elections, describing him as one of the few northern leaders who stood “firmly by the president when it mattered most.”
Speaking at the Ninth Expanded National MSME Clinics held in Katsina, Shettima commended Masari’s courage and loyalty amid political uncertainty, noting that while many northern politicians distanced themselves, Masari remained resolute in his backing for Tinubu.
According to the vice-president, “When our back was against the wall, there were some few governors in the North that firmly stood behind the president. One of them is seated here. We had our turning point when we came to Katsina and the then Governor of Katsina State, Right Honourable Aminu Bello Masari, unequivocally endorsed and supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambition.”
Shettima further disclosed that during the pre-election period, there were claims that former President Muhammadu Buhari did not support Tinubu’s bid, but Masari publicly dismissed those insinuations and threw his full weight behind the now-president.
He stated, “Some people were saying, ‘Baba baya son Tinubu’—meaning Buhari doesn’t like Tinubu—but Masari backed Tinubu’s candidacy amid all the adversities.”
Highlighting Katsina’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s political landscape, Shettima likened the state to the “New York of Nigerian politics,” stressing that its 34 local government areas make it a political powerhouse in the North.
“And if Kano is the California of Nigerian politics,” he added, “certainly with 34 local government areas, Katsina is the New York of Nigerian politics.”
The vice-president also revealed that President Tinubu holds Katsina in high regard, describing it as his “second home” due to his long-standing ties with prominent political figures from the state.
“Truly, truly, the president is mightily proud of Katsina. It’s only those who have been in the deepest valley that will appreciate how magnificent it is to be on the mountaintop,” Shettima said.
He went on to list several notable Katsina political leaders who have shaped the nation’s governance and shared political ties with President Tinubu, including the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, late President Muhammadu Buhari, and Senator Abu Ibrahim.
