Vice-President Kashim Shettima has revealed that some individuals allegedly attempted to create distrust between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu just three months into their administration in 2023.

He made the disclosure at the public presentation of “My Life of Duty and Allegiance”, the autobiography of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, where he reflected on early political tensions within the presidency.

Alleged plot within early months of government

Shettima said the individuals, whom he did not name but claimed were from Borno State, allegedly informed President Tinubu that he was planning to assassinate him and take over power.

He explained that the President personally confronted him after receiving the claims but chose not to believe the allegations after reviewing the situation.

“Three months into our swearing in, some people told Tinubu I was planning to kill him to take over power,” Shettima said.

He added that Tinubu called him over the issue and expressed concerns raised by the unnamed individuals.

Tinubu’s reaction and trust stance

According to Shettima, the President dismissed the allegations after assessing the claims and finding inconsistencies in the story presented to him.

He noted that Tinubu referenced their relationship before the election, stressing that trust played a key role in his decision to ignore the reports.

“Shettima’s clothes” remark also referenced

Shettima also recounted a separate incident in which the same individuals allegedly tried to discourage Tinubu from associating closely with him.

He said they told the President to stop wearing clothing associated with him, claiming it carried sinister intentions, an allegation Tinubu also reportedly dismissed.

“The President said their story did not add up,” Shettima said, adding that Tinubu later wore the outfit again, describing the President as someone who does not believe in superstition.

Call for unity among Nigerians

The Vice-President used the platform to urge Nigerians to embrace unity and avoid actions that deepen political or ethnic divisions.

He emphasised the need for citizens to act as one community rather than allowing misinformation and distrust to shape national relationships.

The event, which also had former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, and other top political and military figures in attendance, was held in honour of General Gowon’s contributions to Nigeria’s history.