Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that some individuals from his home state of Borno accused him of plotting to kill President Bola Tinubu through traditional clothes he gifted him during the 2023 election campaign.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Shettima said the allegation emerged just three months after Tinubu took office. He made the revelation during the public presentation of My Life of Duty and Allegiance, the autobiography of former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, according to Channels Television.
Shettima explained that during the campaign for Tinubu’s presidential ambition, he provided him with Borno-style traditional outfits and caps to help him connect with northern voters.
He said the outfits became popular among Tinubu’s team, prompting requests for more. However, shortly after the inauguration, some Borno figures allegedly approached the President with claims that the garments had been spiritually manipulated to harm him and clear the path for Shettima to take over.
According to Shettima, Tinubu later summoned him after his official trip to China and recounted the accusations. The President reportedly dismissed the claims, noting that the clothes were given when both men were still aspirants and not yet elected into office.
To show he rejected the allegation, Shettima said Tinubu deliberately wore the same Borno outfits for an entire week.
The Vice President said the incident reflected a troubling rise in suspicion within Nigeria’s political circles.
He contrasted the episode with an earlier story shared by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, who recalled how his family regularly sent gallons of fura to Gowon during his leadership without raising any concerns about trust or motives.
Shettima said such stories showed how political relationships in Nigeria were once built on confidence, unlike today’s atmosphere where mistrust can quickly create damaging narratives.
He also praised Gowon’s legacy, citing the creation of the National Youth Service Corps as one of the enduring symbols of national unity under his leadership.
