Vice President Kashim Shettima has criticised the African Democratic Congress, ADC, vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, over his allegation that former President Muhammadu Buhari misled him ahead of the All Progressives Congress, APC presidential primary in 2022.
Shettima described Amaechi's comments as disrespectful to the late former president, whom he said remained one of the most respected political figures in Northern Nigeria.
The Vice President spoke on Tuesday during the APC presidential campaign rally in Dutse, Jigawa State.
It will be recalled that Amaechi recently accused Buhari of misleading him during the build-up to the 2022 APC presidential primary.
Amaechi alleged that Buhari had advised him against campaigning for the party's presidential ticket, assuring him that he would personally announce him as his preferred candidate.
He further claimed that the former President gave the assurance in writing, which influenced his decision not to lobby delegates or negotiate political alliances ahead of the primary.
Reacting to the allegation, Shettima questioned whether anyone who showed such disrespect to a former President deserved the support of Nigerians, particularly people from the North.
"Can you support such an individual who has no respect for the former president? This man, President Tinubu, has always regarded Baba Buhari highly. He has never supported anything that would tarnish his image and integrity," Shettima said.
He described northerners as people known for generosity and a tradition of reciprocating goodwill, urging them to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the forthcoming election presents an opportunity for the North to reciprocate the support Tinubu gave Buhari during his political struggles, particularly his successful presidential bid in 2015.
"Now is the right time to support this man for what he has done for the North and its people," he added.
Shettima urged the people of Jigawa State to turn out in large numbers on January 16, 2027, to vote for President Tinubu and other APC candidates.