Vice President Kashim Shettima has said that despite their varying political affiliations, key players in Nigeria’s political space are more united than divided, noting that the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition are “all one.”
Shettima made this remark on Thursday in Abuja during the public presentation of the book “OPL245: The Inside Story of the $1.3b Nigerian Oil Bloc” written by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN).
Speaking at the event, the Vice President referred to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai — a major figure in the ADC coalition — as his “elder brother” and described him as an influential figure in Nigerian politics.
He also acknowledged former Kano State Governor and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as a “fire-spitting” political leader.
Highlighting the diverse backgrounds of dignitaries present at the book launch, Shettima noted that the event was a reflection of Nigeria’s political diversity and underlying unity.
“We have PDP, we have the new PDP, we have the coalition, heavily represented by my elder brother, Malam Nasir El-Rufai. We have the NNPP, APP, APC. This is a reflection—a kaleidoscope of colours,” he said.
According to the Vice President, what unites Nigeria’s political class is far stronger than what appears to divide them.
“What binds us together surpasses whatever divides us. Former IGP MD Abubakar is a PDP man—or let me say, sympathetic to PDP. Yet, I have the best of relationships with him in spite of our minor political differences,” he added.
He went on to jokingly question the political affiliation of Senator Daggash, saying: “Senator Daggash, are you in ADC or APC or PDP? Only God knows where you belong.”
The book launch attracted several political and legal heavyweights from across the country, underscoring the author’s wide network and the shared interests of Nigeria’s political elite across party lines.
