Tinubu only brand that can beat Atiku – Shettima

“It has been a tumultuous welcome and he is accepted across the country. You can see that in Ibadan, Oyo and Ogun States,” Shetima added.

In a live event on Television Continental, (TVC) monitored by our reporter, Shettima noted that the emergence of Atiku as PDP candidate has changed the political landscape and for APC to win , Tinubu must be its flag bearer.

According to Shettima: “Whether Asiwaju’s opponents like it or not, he played a pivotal role, not only in bringing President Muhammadu Buhari to limelight , but was also instrumental to success of APC in the 2015 elections.

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“I don’t know why Asiwaju has become a subject of hatred. There is nothing he said that hasn’t been said before.

“In 2003, 2007 and 2011 elections, despite Buhari’s strong hold in the north, he didn’t succeed. Asiwaju has paid his dues and should be respected. The difference between Jonathan and Buhari in the election was about 2 million plus and he got that with Tinubu’s work.”

The former governor said Tinubu ought to be treated with respect and dignity because he reclaimed the mandate of former Edo Governor Adam’s Oshiomhole; Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi as well as fomer Governors Olusegun Mimiko and Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State.

During the live interview session, he recalled that Before the 2011 election, “a paramount ruler from the north met Tinubu and said Buhari’s emergence is not in my name. Retired Military Generals too met with Tinubu said his emergence is not in their name and even Katsina which is Buhari’s home town rejected him but Tinubu went against all the odds to bring Buhari into power.”

Shettima also recalled that majority of those from the north claimed to be more Catholic than the bishops now, were either supporting former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso or another northerner before President Buhari was eventually elected while he and others stood firm with Buhari.

He said he was bribed $3.5million not to support Buhari but he rejected the money and went ahead to support President Buhari.

Shettima insisted: “There is no other person in the north that can defeat Atiku except Tinubu. I believe the primaries will hold and Tinubu will emerge victorious.”

THE NATION