All Progressives Congress vice-presidential candidate Kashim Shettima explained why he was wearing sneakers at the Nigerian Bar Association conference in Lagos State on Monday.
Shettima, who represented APC presidential candidate Bola Tinubu at the event, was dressed in a black suit and red tie, accompanied by a pair of sports shoes, which sparked reactions from social media users.
The event was attended by the presidential candidates of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar and the Labor Party, Peter Obi, respectively.
But justifying his style in a video clip shared on social media on Thursday, Shettima, who is a former governor of Borno state, said he deliberately wore sneakers to the event.
“I was in Lagos for the NBA conference. It was held at Eko Hotels, it was largely funded by the Lagos State Government, APC Lagos State Government. subsequently, they moved to Eko Atlantic City, the fruit of an idea conceived by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“When I sent my reconnaissance team… One of the presidential candidates, his team held meetings for three consecutive nights to commit mischief.
“When I was told it was a hostile crowd. I am a banker, trained by one of the best bankers in the world. I’m a Jim Ovia boy. I purposely wore NBA sneakers to mock (sic) them.
Speaking at the NBA conference, Shettima said that once elected, he and the APC presidential candidate would replicate the achievements Tinubu recorded in Lagos.
He said, “Nigerians have the ability to see through the worn-out rhetoric and fallacies of pretentious politicians.”
“Nigerians should follow the man who knows the way. From day one, we will take over. We will quickly address the issue of economy, ecology and safety.
“And we have the track record. I have built some of the best schools in Nigeria. Go to Borno and see wonders; you will never believe that it is a state at war.
“So we will replicate our achievements in Lagos, Borno and some of the frontline states so that our nation is a better place. The fundamental issue is pure leadership.