Bola Tinubu has confirmed Kashim Shettima as his vice presidential candidate for 2023.

Mr Tinubu made the announcement on Sunday in Daura, shortly after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr Tinubu’s choice confirmed protracted speculation that he was considering a Muslim as his running mate, a decision that could upset the country’s religious balance in top political offices.

Ealier Ibrahim Masari, Mr Tinubu’s dummy candidate, stepped down from the ticket in line with the arrangement:

”This is to inform our esteemed party leaders under our able President Muhammadu Buhari, teeming party members and the great people of Nigeria, of the outcome of a crucial discussion I just had with the flag-bearer of our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

”Recall that I had the singular honour and privilege of being nominated as the running-mate to Asiwaju Tinubu last month after a keenly contested presidential primary ahead of the 2023 general elections.

”But, after much reflection and wider consultations, I now wish to step down. I realized that my decision will enable Asiwaju to have more latitude to give more accommodation and inclusion that will position our party to win the coming elections, with the support of the people of Nigeria.

”In stepping down, I believe I can still serve our party and the country in several other capacities,” Mr Masari said in a statement.

Mr Masari further revealed that he had since submitted his letter of withdrawal as the vice-presidential candidate to Bola TInubu in the forthcoming election.

”I  wish to confirm that I have submitted my withdrawal letter and affidavit to that effect as the Vice Presidential Candidate to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed TInubu in the coming elections.

”On behalf of myself and family, I wish to sincerely thank Asiwaju Tinubu — the Incoming President, Insha Allah — for his trust in me and we promise to remain steadfast in our support for him and the party.”

Mr Tinubu’s choice of Mr Shettima, a former governor of Boko Haram-ravaged North-East, marked the first time since 1993 when a major party ticket would have Muslims as both presidential candidate and running mate.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had previously expressed worries that Mr Tinubu could plunge the country into crisis should he pick a Muslim as his vice-presidential candidate. The Christian body said Nigeria’s diversity, roughly equal number of Christians and Muslims, should be respected and reflected on a ruling party ticket.