Popular lawyer and youth leader, Barrister Melah Ibrahim Yusuf Maimuruchi has waded into the north east controversy on the endorsement of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu without the mention of his Vice President, Kashim Shettima.
Recall that the endorsement had fueled a heated controversy when some persons at the event raised concern, arguing that it was a joint ticket, hence it should be Tinubu/Shettima endorsement.
Wading into the matter, Melah, a popular youth leader argued that it will be wrong to impose Shettima on the president simply because he chose his chose Shettima to run with him.
According to the middle belt youth leader, it’s the turn of the middle belt to run with president Tinubu and not the birth right of any zone or individual.
In a statement he personally signed, he argued that “leadership is not an entitlement, nor is it obtained by coercion. No deputy, vice, or assistant has the moral or political right to force themselves upon a principal.”
He wrote, “The recent meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Northeast Stakeholders Forum in Gombe brought to light a development that has stirred significant political conversations nationwide. Chief among these was the public endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term — a move that, notably, did not mention the vice president, thus fueling growing speculation that the president may be considering a change in his running mate.
“While reactions to this omission — including unfortunate pockets of violence — have drawn attention, it is crucial to remind all stakeholders that leadership is not an entitlement, nor is it obtained by coercion. No deputy, vice, or assistant has the moral or political right to force themselves upon a principal. True loyalty is tested in times of uncertainty, and any subordinate who seeks to impose themselves, rather than serve with humility and grace, raises red flags of disloyalty and self-interest. Such behavior should give any leader pause.
“More importantly, the focus must shift from individual ambition to national stability and inclusion. As a proud Middle Beltan and a Northerner, my primary concern is not the individual occupying the vice presidency, but the regional equity and national unity that role represents. If President Tinubu, in his wisdom and constitutional right, chooses to make a change in the vice presidency, it must not come at the cost of Northeast representation — or worse, Northern marginalization.
“Instead, such a pivotal decision should be an opportunity to deepen the bonds of national integration. The Middle Belt, with its rich diversity and unique role as Nigeria’s bridge between North and South, is best positioned to step into this space. Selecting a Vice President from the Middle Belt would be a bold and unifying gesture — a clear message that the administration is committed to reconciliation, equity, and nation-building.
“President Tinubu has so far demonstrated remarkable political maturity in balancing the interests of various groups across the country. Appointing a Middle Beltan as vice president would only affirm his legacy as a bridge-builder and a leader with a deep understanding of Nigeria’s complex socio-political fabric.
Emphasizing national harmony as the reason for his call, Melah said, “In this light, it is my sincere hope that even Vice President Kashim Shettima, should such a transition be contemplated, will rise above personal interest to support a decision that advances national harmony. The survival and progress of our country must always outweigh individual ambition.
“This is not a time for political gamesmanship or regional rivalry. It is a time for statesmanship — and a vice presidency anchored in the Middle Belt would be a masterstroke for peace, progress, and unity.“