Vice-President Kashim Shettima has clarified comments about northern governors’ support for President Bola Tinubu, saying he was referring specifically to political consultations before the APC presidential primary in 2022.

The clarification came after remarks by the vice-president were interpreted as suggesting that only six northern governors had supported Mr Tinubu’s presidential bid.

The Office of the Vice President said the reference to six northern governors was about those who supported Mr Tinubu in the build-up to the All Progressives Congress presidential primary held in June 2022.

“The Vice President’s reference to six northern governors who believed in and supported President Tinubu was specifically about political consultations and alignments preceding the APC presidential primary in June 2022.”

It said the remarks were not about the position of northern APC governors after Mr Tinubu emerged as the party’s presidential candidate.

“It was not a comment on the position of northern APC governors following President Tinubu’s emergence as the party’s candidate, nor was it intended to question their support during the 2023 presidential election.”

The statement said APC governors in northern Nigeria subsequently rallied behind Mr Tinubu and contributed to the party’s campaign and electoral efforts in the 2023 presidential election.

“Following the presidential primary, APC governors in the North rallied around the party’s candidate and played important roles in the campaign and electoral efforts that culminated in President Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 general election.”

The vice-president also reaffirmed his regard for northern governors and other APC leaders, according to the statement.

“VP Shettima holds the northern governors and other leaders of the APC in high regard and recognises their individual and collective contributions to the success of the party and the emergence of President Tinubu.”

Mr Shettima expressed regret over any interpretation of his comments that suggested otherwise.

“The Vice President regrets any interpretation of his remarks that may have suggested otherwise and hopes this clarification places the comments in their proper context.”

The clarification was issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, on Thursday.

Mr Shettima also thanked the Nigerian media for its engagement with his office and called for accuracy in reporting political remarks ahead of the 2027 election season.

“VP Shettima also appreciates the Nigerian media for its longstanding professionalism and constructive engagement with his office and urges continued accuracy and context in the reporting of public remarks as the country approaches another political season.” (Arise News)