Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that some individuals from Borno State once warned President Bola Tinubu against wearing traditional outfits gifted to him during the 2023 election campaign, claiming the clothes had been spiritually manipulated to charm him and possibly lead to his death.
Shettima made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja while representing President Tinubu at the public presentation of My Life of Duty and Allegiance, the autobiography of former Head of State Yakubu Gowon.
According to the Vice President, the incident occurred shortly after the administration assumed office. He explained that after returning from Beijing, where he represented Tinubu at the Belt and Road Initiative Forum in October 2023, the President informed him about concerns raised by some visitors from Borno State.
Shettima said the visitors warned Tinubu to stop wearing the traditional Borno outfits and cap he had received from him during the campaign period. They allegedly claimed the clothes had been used to spiritually influence the President and suggested that Tinubu’s death could pave the way for Shettima to become President.
However, Tinubu reportedly dismissed the allegations immediately. Shettima explained that the President pointed out that the claims made no sense because the clothes were given to him before both men emerged as the party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates.
To further disprove the rumours, Tinubu deliberately continued wearing the outfits for an entire week. Shettima said the move was meant to demonstrate that there was nothing mystical or fetish about the clothing.
The Vice President used the story to highlight what he described as the growing atmosphere of suion and mistrust in Nigeria. He contrasted the current situation with earlier periods in the country’s history when leaders and communities shared stronger trust and unity.
Shettima also praised former Head of State Yakubu Gowon for promoting national unity through initiatives such as the National Youth Service Corps and the founding of the Economic Community of West African States.
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