Kaduna Senatorial Aspirant Yerima Shettima Denounces Political Godfatherism as Major Catalyst for Systemic Accountability Failures

Kaduna Central aspirant Yerima Shettima denounces political godfathers for the 2027 race. Read his views on accountability and democratic integrity.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 4, 2026, 4:14 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

A Definitive Rejection of Endorsement Based Campaigning

Yerima Shettima, a leading senatorial aspirant for Kaduna Central in the upcoming 2027 general elections, has formally distanced his campaign from the tradition of political godfatherism. During a press conference in Kaduna, Shettima asserted that his candidacy would rely exclusively on his documented track record and popular grassroots support rather than the influence of powerful patrons. This stance is particularly significant given the regional political climate, where high level endorsements often dictate the outcome of party primaries. By prioritizing a direct mandate from the people, Shettima aims to reposition the role of a legislator as a servant of the public rather than a proxy for political elites.

The Pro Democracy Roots of a Modern Senatorial Bid

The aspirant’s political philosophy is deeply rooted in his history as an activist during Nigeria’s military era, a period he described as the country’s "dark days." Shettima noted that his transition into mainstream politics was a natural evolution of his long standing commitment to democratic struggles alongside several prominent national figures. He emphasized that his involvement in the 2027 race is driven by a desire for advocacy and reform rather than personal ambition for wealth or power. This historical perspective serves to frame his current campaign as a continuation of a lifelong effort to establish a transparent and functional democratic system in Nigeria.

Countering Rumors of Anointed Candidates in Kaduna Central

Shettima’s decision to address the media was prompted by escalating rumors suggesting that certain candidates for the Kaduna Central seat had been secretly "anointed" by federal and state leadership. He dismissed these claims as both false and fundamentally undemocratic, warning that such narratives serve to weaken the integrity of the electoral process before a single vote is cast. According to the aspirant, any individual who possesses genuine support from the electorate should have no need for automatic tickets or backdoor endorsements. He challenged his competitors to engage directly with the voters to prove their viability in a transparent and competitive environment.