In a stunning revelation that underscores the treacherous undercurrents within Nigeria’s political corridors, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, has disclosed that elements within the political space falsely accused him of plotting the death of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the Vice President, the fabricated allegations were part of a coordinated smear campaign designed by mischief-makers to create an irreparable rift between himself and the President, with the ultimate goal of forcing his removal from the “Renewed Hope” ticket.
The Anatomy of a Political Smear
Speaking at a private retirement reception held in honor of a senior state official in Abuja yesterday, the Vice President departed from his prepared speech to address what he termed the “dark art of Abuja politics.”
Shettima revealed that during the early, turbulent months of the administration, intelligence whispers and orchestrated rumors began circulating within specific political caucuses, alleging that he was actively working behind the scenes to see the President incapacitated or killed so he could ascend to the presidency.
“The depths to which some individuals will sink for political leverage is frightening,” Shettima stated, his voice carrying a mix of solemnity and resolve. “Some people went as far as accusing me of plotting to kill my boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, just because they wanted to occupy the seat of the Vice President. They created scenarios, forged whispers, and ran to the Villa with fake security reports, all in an attempt to poison the President’s mind against me.”
A Bond Forged in Mutual Trust
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the Vice President noted that the plot failed primarily because of the deep-seated relationship and mutual understanding that exists between him and President Tinubu. He described the President as a “master political scientist” who possesses an uncanny ability to sift through malicious intelligence and verify facts before acting.
“If it were a leader with a fragile ego or an insecure disposition, these merchants of malice would have succeeded,” Shettima remarked. “But the President knows my heart, and I know his vision. Our relationship goes beyond the transactional nature of regular politics. It is built on a shared commitment to rescuing this country from the brink.”
The Vice President’s revelation confirms long-held suspicions among statehouse insiders regarding an understated cold war within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), where various factions have been subtly positioning themselves for relevance ahead of future electoral cycles.
Security Deflection and State Stability
Legal and security experts in Abuja have noted that making false claims of treason against a sitting Vice President is an offense that borders on undermining national security.
While the Vice President did not explicitly name the individuals behind the allegations, he hinted that they included “professional politicians” who find themselves on the periphery of the current power structure. He warned that the administration remains highly focused on its economic and security mandates and will not be distracted by the “theater of the absurd” being played out by desperate actors.
