ABUJA: Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed has suggested that spiritual advice from a marabout or Islamic cleric could be one possible explanation for why Vice President Kashim Shettima does not wear the cap insignia associated with President Bola Tinubu.
Baba-Ahmed, who was Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, made the remarks during an interview anchored by Seun Akinboloye.
The interview was followed by RapidoSpace News.
According to Baba-Ahmed, Shettima is the only prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who does not wear the insignia, raising questions about the reason behind the apparent exception.
He suggested that one possible explanation could be that someone providing the Vice President with spiritual guidance had advised him not to wear it. However, Baba-Ahmed did not provide evidence that Shettima had received such advice.
During the interview, Akinboloye asked Baba-Ahmed whether he had people praying for the Vice President.
In response, the former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate argued that Shettima could hardly deny having people praying for him, given his position in the country’s political leadership.
Baba-Ahmed raised the issue of marabouts and spiritual advisers, referring to practices he associated with some West African countries. He also questioned what such individuals might be doing when they travel towards Nigeria’s borders, although he did not provide specific evidence linking those activities to Shettima.
He suggested that the Vice President’s spiritual advisers, if he had any, might have advised him against wearing the cap insignia.
His comments were speculative and did not establish the actual reason Shettima does not wear the insignia.
As the conversation continued, Baba-Ahmed cautioned Akinboloye against pressing him too much on the subject.
He also raised questions about why some people missed on voting day, broadening the discussion to political participation and the influence of personal beliefs and relationships in public life.
However, he did not establish a direct connection between his comments about election-day participation and Shettima’s decision regarding the cap insignia.
Baba-Ahmed also distinguished his own personal support system from the spiritual practices he was discussing.
He said he did not have a marabout or any mallam specifically praying for him, adding that he relied on prayers from members of his family and friends.
The interview has brought attention to questions about personal faith, spiritual advisers and political symbolism in Nigeria’s political environment.
Nevertheless, Baba-Ahmed’s suggestion about why Shettima may not wear Tinubu’s cap insignia remains unverified. No direct confirmation from the Vice President was provided in the account of the interview.
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