Datti Baba-Ahmed says Shettima Does Not Wear Tinubu’s Insignia Cap — but Photos Contradict Claim

Last week, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, former Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, claimed that Vice-President Kashim Shettima does not wear a cap with President Bola Tinubu’s insignia.

Baba-Ahmed, who made the allegation during an interview on Mic On Podcast, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, said Shettima was the only member of the APC leadership who does not wear the cap.

Baba-Ahmed suggested that Shettima’s alleged marabouts may have advised him against it.

“I think his marabout says he shouldn’t wear it. I think so. But he is the only one in APC leadership who is not wearing that cap. You will have to ask him why. And why the marabouts said he should not wear that cap,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed was subsequently asked whether he believed Shettima had marabouts. “Come on. Yes, he does have. He has mallams who pray for him. This much I can tell you,” he replied.

Asked whether he also had people who pray for him, Baba-Ahmed said he does not keep marabouts.

“No, I don’t. I pray for myself. My family, my friends, and others pray. That is the kind we do. You will never find somebody seated elsewhere calling himself either my mallam or my marabout,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed said Shettima was free to deny the allegation and explain why he does not wear the cap associated with Tinubu.

PHOTOS CONTRADICT DATTI’S CLAIM

Checks show that available photographic evidence contradicts Baba-Ahmed’s assertion that Shettima does not wear the cap bearing Tinubu’s insignia.

TheCable’s review of photographs available online found several instances in which the vice-president is seen wearing the cap at both official and political engagements.

Meanwhile, Stanley Nkwocha, spokesperson to the vice-president, has criticised Baba-Ahmed over the comments against the vice-president.

He described Baba-Ahmed as “a very bitter dude” who is “empty and filled with jealousy”.

“He just wished he were what Oga is today. Sadly, he will never ever be. Oga is his super idol and hero. He craves Oga’s attention,” Nkwocha said.