Popular lawyer and youth leader, Barrister Melah Ibrahim Yusuf Maimuruchi has waded into the controversy surrounding the recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term without mention of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The endorsement, which came from the All Progressives Congress (APC) Northeast Stakeholders Forum in Gombe, sparked heated debate when some attendees raised concerns that the joint Tinubu/Shettima ticket should have been endorsed together.
Melah, a prominent Middle Belt youth leader, argued that it would be inappropriate to impose Shettima on the president merely because Tinubu had previously chosen him as a running mate.
"Leadership Is Not an Entitlement"
In a personally signed statement, Melah emphasized 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 further stated, "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."
Call for Middle Belt Representation
The lawyer advocated for a shift in focus from individual ambition to national stability and inclusion. According to Melah, if President Tinubu decides to make a change in the vice presidency, it should be an opportunity to deepen 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," he argued. "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."
Melah praised President Tinubu for demonstrating "remarkable political maturity" in balancing the interests of various groups across the country, suggesting that appointing a Middle Beltan as vice president would affirm his legacy as a bridge-builder.
He called on Vice President Shettima to prioritize national harmony over personal interest should such a transition be contemplated, stating, "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," Melah concluded.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria's complex political landscape as the country looks ahead to future elections.
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