The political temperature across Nigeria just took a dramatic turn, and this time, the heat is coming straight out of Ilorin!

While attending the grand turbaning of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the new Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, Vice President Kashim Shettima dropped a powerful message that has sent shockwaves through political circles.

Addressing the ongoing internal rift within the Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC)—particularly the aggrieved G-15 faction—Shettima pulled back the curtain on what really happened behind closed doors during the turbulent 2023 presidential campaign.

His message was simple: If President Bola Tinubu could forgive the powerful northern governors who openly fought his presidential dream, Kwara politicians have zero excuse to remain at war.

“Only 6 Northern Governors Believed in Us”

Reminding politicians that party feuds should never turn into permanent hatred, Shettima revealed how isolated Tinubu’s campaign team was in the lead-up to the 2023 primary and general elections.

According to the Vice President, out of the 19 states in Northern Nigeria, only 6 northern governors actually backed Bola Ahmed Tinubu when the battle was toughest.

“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.” — VP Kashim Shettima

Shettima recalled the infamous opposition slogan, “Baba bayan sunshi” (meaning former President Muhammadu Buhari did not want Tinubu as his successor), which was weaponized to suppress support across northern states.

Yet, despite the betrayals and intense political maneuvering, Tinubu won—and what he did next shocked his opponents.

“After the 2023 election, President Tinubu hugged and forgave all other northern governors that did not support him. That is a mark of a good leader.” — VP Kashim Shettima

A Direct Message to Kwara’s Aggrieved “G-15” Faction

Shettima’s historical throwback wasn’t just a bedtime story—it was a strategic political warning aimed directly at Kwara State.

Following fierce governorship primaries in Kwara State, aggrieved APC aspirants and party stalwarts formed the G-15 group, threatening to split party votes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Warning politicians against letting ego destroy party stability, Shettima urged Kwara leaders to sheath their swords, embrace political reconciliation, and put the people first.

“We are in power not because of our pedigree, intellect, ability, or physical build, but by destiny. What brings us together supersedes what separates us. As public office holders, we spend more of our lives outside public offices than we do in public offices.” — VP Kashim Shettima

A Royal Celebration & Commissioning Spree in Ilorin

The Vice President’s visit wasn’t all about high-stakes politics. The event marked a historic cultural milestone as the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, officially installed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate.

The prestigious title—previously held by legendary northern leaders—honors the governor’s family legacy and service to the state.

Before heading to the Emir’s palace, Shettima officially commissioned two flagship infrastructure projects in Ilorin:

• The State Revenue House: An 11-storey modern administrative complex located on Ahmadu Bello Way.
• The Kwara Garment Factory: A mega industrial hub built to boost local manufacturing and generate thousands of job opportunities for youth.