People told Tinubu I planned to kill him – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed how some individuals attempted to pit him against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, barely three months after they assumed office. Speaking at the launch of “My Life of Duty and Allegiance,” the autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, in Abuja on Tuesday, Shettima said the individuals, whom he […]

Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed how some individuals attempted to pit him against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, barely three months after they assumed office.

Speaking at the launch of “My Life of Duty and Allegiance,” the autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, in Abuja on Tuesday, Shettima said the individuals, whom he declined to name but described as being from Borno State, visited Tinubu and alleged that he was plotting to kill the president and take over power.

The vice president explained that ahead of the 2023 presidential primaries, while Tinubu was consulting across the North, he sourced traditional Borno attire and a cap for the president to wear at campaign events so he could connect more easily with northern audiences.

He said feedback from Tinubu’s aides showed that the attire fitted perfectly, prompting the president to wear it repeatedly throughout the campaign period.

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Shettima said the people warned Tinubu against wearing the traditional outfits he had gifted him during the 2023 campaign, claiming the garments had been laced with charms and could lead to his death.

While paying tribute to Tinubu for statesmanship, Shettima said the president summoned him over the allegation after he returned from China in October 2023, one of his earliest major foreign assignments as Vice President.

“When I came back from China, where I had represented him at the Belt and Road Initiative Conference, he said: ‘Sit down. Your people came to me and said I should stop wearing those dresses you gave me. They said I must have been charmed, and that I am going to die and you will become the president,” he said.

He said Tinubu, not only dismissed the allegation, but deliberately wore the outfits for an entire week as a public rejection of what he described as a story that “did not add up.”

According to Shettima, the president told him: “Their story did not add up because, when you gave me those dresses, I was an aspirant. I wasn’t even the candidate, and neither were you the vice-presidential candidate.

“For one week, to prove to them that he is not fetish, he wore those dresses. These are some of the gimmicks that are taking place in power circles in Nigeria nowadays,” Shettima said.

On the man at the centre of yesterday’s event, the vice president recalled that the Sultan of Sokoto once narrated that his family regularly sent gallons of fura to former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, at Dodan Barracks in Lagos.

According to him, Gowon accepted the gesture without suspicion, reflecting the deep trust that once existed among Nigerians.

The vice president, however, said such trust has faded, saying suspicion now defines many relationships across the country.

He stressed that Nigerians remain one people bound by a shared destiny and should not allow distrust to divide them.

 

Tinubu-Shettima rift speculation

This is the first time Shettima has publicly spoken about his relationship with President Tinubu, amid speculation of a rift between the two leaders and claims he could be dropped as Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 election.

The rumours intensified in June 2025, during an APC North-East stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe State convened to endorse Tinubu’s second-term bid.

Violence erupted after the party’s zonal vice chairman, Mustapha Salihu, ended his speech without mentioning Shettima on the proposed 2027 ticket.

Angry delegates responded with chants of “Shettima! Shettima!! Shettima!!!” while one supporter confronted Salihu on stage. Witnesses said chairs were thrown as the protest turned violent, forcing security operatives to intervene.

The situation worsened when former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, also avoided directly endorsing Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate, prompting chants of “No Shettima, no APC in the North-East.”

Few months after, President Tinubu described Shettima as a loyal partner and dependable ally in the collective effort to build a more prosperous Nigeria.

In a statement to celebrate Shettima’s 59th birthday, Tinubu said he did not make a mistake in choosing him as his deputy.

At another event in February 2026, the president also described his vice as “a very good partner on the journey for progress.”

 

Why I wrote autobiography – Gowon

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, disclosed why he decided to write his autobiography “My Life of Duty and Allegiance”.

He said over several years, several individuals tried their best to persuade him to end the growing spate of misinformation and disinformation on him in national conversations, but he declined.

Gowon said, “More pressure was mounted when rumours of my death gained ground. Not once, but many times. I think up to four times so far.

“I wonder how many more will be done. As you can attest Today, these reports to paraphrase the writer, Mike Twain, were over exaggerated.

“When I eventually decided to write, I was clear that I only needed to tell my truth, not join issues with anyone or sit in judgment over what might be considered right or wrong. I instead chose this path over my former stance to maintain silence conscious; you know of the need to preserve institutional memory through a truthful documentation of my experience.”

He added that he wrote the book to mend the gap and avoid feeding negative narratives that could reopen wounds.

Gowon added that the book is not a celebration of him, rather his modest attempt at expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve Nigeria and to dream alongside individuals and groups that shared a boundless faith in Nigeria’s future.

According to him, his belief was that the book will help to correct misconceptions and fill the gaps in public narratives.

Gowon, however, revealed how former President Obasanjo assisted him to locate Anthony Ukpabi Asika, a renowned academic and the first Administrator of the East Central State, to bear the brunt of keeping South East within Nigeria.

He said, “I asked Obasanjo to assist me contact some of the senior lecturers at the University of Ibadan to find me somebody who would be brave enough to accept to be either the governor or administrator in the East.

“And this is where he did his best. I think he contacted Professor Adjahi and a number of others at the University of Ibadan. They got one young man called Ukpabi Asika. And when he came to see me, I said to him ‘this is a task that I will not advise you to take, if you are my brother’, he was probably about the same age as I.

“I was convinced that he had the courage; he had a belief and love for Nigeria and certainly did not want the East to break away from country.”

 

‘Nigeria won’t fall despite current challenges’

Gowon said Nigeria will overcome its current challenges and remain united, adding that, “during my time as head of state, the country did not fall, and I remain confident that despite all her challenges, Nigeria will still not fall.”

He added that reflection on his years of service continues to strengthen his optimism about the country’s future.

“Each time I reflect on my service to this country, I become even more persuaded that Nigeria can become better and achieve her full potential as the giant of Africa,” Gowon said.

The former head of state urged Nigerians to disregard what he described as “naysayers” who portray the country in negative terms.

He warned against narratives that dismiss Nigeria as a failed state, saying such perspectives do not reflect the country’s realities or potential.

Gowon also turned attention to the political climate ahead of the 2027 elections, calling for restraint among political actors.

He urged Nigerians to “strive to contain the desperation frequently displayed by the political class,” which he said often manifests in “do-or-die politics” and undermines credible elections, including intra-party contests.

According to him, such challenges have persisted over time, stretching back to the colonial era.

Reflecting on his leadership years between 1966 and 1975, Gowon said he remains proud of those who served alongside him and of Nigerians who supported his administration.

He recalled how encouragement from citizens, including a widely circulated newspaper reference that interpreted his name as “Go On With One Nigeria,” reinforced his commitment to national unity.

He said the phrase gave him renewed courage to pursue the task of keeping the country together during difficult moments.

Gowon also recounted efforts during the civil war period, including the selection of administrators to manage the eastern region, noting the importance of individuals who demonstrated courage and commitment to national unity.

He noted that Nigerians must avoid actions capable of deepening division or undermining trust among the country’s diverse population.

“For that reason, we cannot afford to do anything that would harm, hurt, or leave a bad impression on the people of the East,” he said.

Also speaking, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, described Gowon as a leader who chose reconciliation over vengeance despite painful experiences.

“This is not an honour I take for granted. I feel very honoured when you think of a man who has gone through such pain, bitterness, humiliation, you would have expected that if given the opportunity, he would take his pound of flesh,” Kukah said.

He noted that Gowon’s decision to tell his story without bitterness reflected uncommon statesmanship.

“From the beginning of the book, he said, ‘I want to emphasise that I am telling the story without access to crucial past records,’” Kukah added.

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, also paid glowing tribute to Gowon, describing him as a model of religious tolerance and national leadership.

“Thank you for being a father and an example of what a true Christian and Muslim leader ought to be,” the monarch said.

Similarly, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, described Gowon as family.

“Gen. Gowon is not just a common person to us, he is a member of the family,” the Sultan stated.

 

Jonathan: Gowon’s ‘no victor, no vanquished’ declaration united Nigeria after civil war

Former President Goodluck Jonathan said the “no victor, no vanquished” declaration by Yakubu Gowon, after the Nigerian civil war laid the foundation for healing across the country.

Speaking at the public presentation of Gowon’s autobiography, “My Life of Duty and Allegiance”, Jonathan praised the former military leader for his contributions to national unity, reconciliation and youth development.

He described Gowon as a “living testimony” of leadership during one of Nigeria’s most defining periods.

According to the former president, Gowon’s autobiography provides deep insight into the challenges of nationhood, peace building, reconciliation and statesmanship, especially during and after the Nigerian civil war between 1967 and 1970.

“Today’s event is not merely the unveiling of a book. It is the presentation of a living testimony,” Jonathan said.

“It reflects a leader who stood at the centre of some of the defining moments in our national journey.”

He also commended Gowon for introducing policies that transformed the country, particularly the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Jonathan noted that the NYSC scheme was created to foster unity among young Nigerians and bridge ethnic divisions across the country.

Recalling his personal experience, Jonathan said NYSC teachers posted to his secondary school in 1973, contributed significantly to his education at a time graduate teachers were scarce in many rural schools.

“The vision of the NYSC was great and it will continue to remain great. The youth corps scheme was meant to unite our nation and help us live as one Nigeria,” he said.

Jonathan also praised Alex Ekwueme for working alongside Gowon on reforms that shaped the nation.

He noted the importance of preserving historical records through memoirs, saying younger generations must hear directly from leaders who witnessed critical moments in Nigeria’s history.

He said Gowon has continued to distinguish himself through peace-building efforts and advocacy for national unity long after leaving office.

Jonathan added that initiatives championed by the former military ruler demonstrates that true leadership extended beyond political power into service to humanity.

He described the autobiography as timely, especially at a period when many nations across the world are grappling with insecurity, division and political polarisation.

Jonathan urged contemporary leaders and younger Nigerians to learn from the values of courage, vision, reconciliation and patriotism highlighted in the book.

He further commended Gowon for documenting his experiences for future generations and preserving an important part of Nigeria’s historical record.

 

Danjuma donates N3bn, Dangote N500m

Former Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, donated N3 billion at the public presentation of the autobiography, while Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of the Dangote Group, also supported the book launch with a donation of N500 million.

​Danjuma, who served as the chief presenter at the event, was represented by a former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Gen. Martin Luther Agwai.

​In his tribute, Danjuma described Gowon as Nigeria’s foremost living statesman, an international icon, and a wartime commander whose leadership prevented Nigeria from disintegration.

​“Gen. Gowon is not only a household name in Nigeria, but a globally acknowledged leader with an impeccable record in leadership, nation-building and military strategy.

​“His well-recorded slogan of ‘no victor, no vanquished’ after the civil war set the tone for an effective post-war policy of reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation,” Danjuma said.

The retired General noted that his friendship with Gowon spanned over 70 years, dating back to their childhood days in the Wusasa area of Zaria, adding that the memoir is a “treasure trove of history” and a gift to the world.

​Similarly, Mr Mansur Ahmed, the representative of Dangote, announced the purchase of 25 copies of the book for N500 million to honour the former Head of State.

Ahmed, a Senior Adviser to the richest man in Africa, stated that, his boss, Dangote was only a 10-year-old primary school pupil when Gowon led the nation.

​He said Gowon’s successful efforts to keep Nigeria unified created the stable environment that allowed Dangote to grow up and build a pan-African business empire.

Other corporate leaders and dignitaries also made substantial purchases of the book at the event, including Alhaji Abdul-Samad Rabiu, the President of BUA Group, who procured copies of the book for N25 million.

 

Excerpts from the book:  ‘Obasanjo defied my orders to serve under Murtala’

The former Head of State, in his book, revealed how former President Olusegun Obasanjo defied his order to serve under Colonel Murtala Muhammed, during the civil war.

Gowon made the disclosure in Chapter 14 of the autobiography. According to Gowon, Obasanjo ‘swore’ to never take orders from his juniors.

But Gowon said he invoked his authority as Commander-in-Chief to resolve the confrontation, by forcing Obasanjo to stand down, before going on to serve as Obasanjo’s personal “guardian angel” through the war and beyond.

The elder statesman said he first encountered Obasanjo at the Officers’ Mess in the United Kingdom in March 1958, when both men were undergoing training.

Gowon stated that when he arrived in London, he was struggling to meet ends and he decided to approach two fellow Nigerian officers, Obasanjo and Foluso Sotomi, to seek help.

He said when he approached Sotomi, it was evident the man had no money to spare. He said, “Obasanjo, on the other hand, was much different. He had more than enough money to pay for himself and to offset my initial bills. I saw that as a great display of a sense of responsibility.

“That singular act made me take more interest in Obasanjo and what he did. I advised him to ensure that he remained on the right track in the Army.

“I became his informal guardian angel right up to the time I appointed him to take over the command of 3 Marine Commando from Adekunle.

“Obasanjo was a quiet, respectable and intelligent officer, though not quite as smart as, for example, the younger Alani Akinrinade, to whom I took instant liking whilst he was a cadet officer at my alma mater, the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.”

Gowon said he decided to create a Rear Command for the newly formed 2 Division under Murtala Muhammed, with Obasanjo, then, Sector Commander in the Western State, serving as Rear Commander in Ibadan, helping to organise relief supplies, equipment and reinforcements, saying the arrangement was meant to place Obasanjo in a supporting role under Murtala.

Gowon narrated, “He believed he was more senior and should not be expected to serve under his junior.

“His reaction made it obvious that he was not well disposed to any idea that appeared to present him as playing second fiddle to Murtala.

“As a result, he strongly stated that he would never serve under Colonel Murtala Muhammed for any reason.”

 

By Abdulyassar Abdulhamid, Daniel Adaji (Abuja) & Mumini Abdulkareem (Ilorin)