By Lazarus Balami
Writing about politicians is one of the most difficult tasks in journalism. This is because politicians themselves do not always understand who they are in words and actions, and this breeds different pictures of what they are at one moment and the next, especially highly experienced and intelligent ones like Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima.
In the realm of political analysis and reportage, consistency and accuracy often separate mere commentators from credible and influential voices. Dr. Bwala recently asserted that he has never been wrong about Vice President Shettima throughout his career, spanning over 1,000 articles following one personality. The claim, according to him, is a testament to meticulous research, grounded insights, and steadfast commitment to factual integrity.
Those who read his writings, those who know him and those that worked in the field with him, and this writer, as a professional examining the assertion, can say it is important to explore why Dr. Bwala’s insights into Vice President Shettima’s political journey — from his tenure as governor of Borno State to his current role as Nigeria’s Vice President — have been consistently accurate and impactful. This piece seeks to highlight the importance of his stance and the rigorous political analysis that has helped many understand how Vice President Shettima’s character and leadership have validated such assessments.
Many journalists attest to Dr. Bwala’s track record and say it owes much to his understanding of the socio-political context of Borno State and Nigeria at large. During Shettima’s tenure as governor from 2011 to 2019, Borno State was engulfed by the Boko Haram insurgency — a crisis marked by widespread violence, displacement, and humanitarian catastrophe. Many analysts struggled to accurately assess the complexity of the conflict and the government’s response.
However, Dr. Bwala’s reports stood out for their nuanced comprehension of both the security challenges and the socio-economic undercurrents influencing them. Rather than succumbing to sensationalism or reductive narratives, despite his working relationship with his friend and colleague, the late Malam Isa Gusau, who was Governor Shettima’s spokesperson at the time, Dr. Bwala offered comprehensive analyses that factored in local dynamics, Shettima’s policies, and the evolving nature of the insurgency.
Vice President Shettima’s leadership during those years demonstrated resilience, pragmatism, and strategic vision, qualities Dr. Bwala documented. Shettima’s approach combined military cooperation with efforts to rehabilitate displaced persons, rebuild critical infrastructure, and stimulate economic recovery. The late Isa Gusau praised Dr. Bwala as a core professional in his field. Ahmed Salkida also described Dr. Bwala as a brave journalist during an interview, owing to his approach to reports during the height of the crises in the North-East.
Dr. Bwala’s evaluations recognised that, while Shettima faced enormous obstacles, his administration made noteworthy progress in stabilising the region and restoring hope to its people. These assessments were borne out by subsequent developments: improved security conditions, returnees resuming livelihoods, and gradual resumption of education in previously inaccessible areas.
Dr. Bwala’s precision in reporting has been bolstered by his reliance on credible sources and firsthand accounts. He engaged extensively with local communities, government officials, security agencies, and international partners operating in the region, even while working as a humanitarian and journalist. This immersion ensured that his writings reflected ground realities often missed by external observers. The authenticity of his information enabled him to avoid the pitfalls of misinformation, which frequently plagued coverage of personalities, the state, and the broader North-East Nigeria conflict zone.
Transitioning from Shettima’s governorship to his elevation as Vice President, Dr. Bwala’s consistent accuracy persisted due to his observation of the politician’s evolving role on the national stage. Vice President Shettima now occupies a position demanding not just regional expertise but also statesmanship, diplomacy, and a capacity to influence broad governance agendas. Dr. Bwala’s commentary has highlighted Shettima’s navigation of Nigeria’s complex political landscape — his ability to build alliances, address national security concerns, and advocate for developmental initiatives attuned to the needs of marginalised communities. These analyses have portrayed Shettima as a unifying figure capable of bridging ethno-religious divides, fostering inclusive governance, and championing reforms.
Sceptics might question the infallibility implied by Dr. Bwala’s statement regarding never being wrong. Yet it is crucial to acknowledge that political analysis, unlike empirical sciences, involves interpretation and prediction amid fluid circumstances. Dr. Bwala’s claim is better understood as an affirmation of his rigorous standards and the enduring validity of his core assessments concerning Vice President Shettima’s leadership qualities and impact. Instances where tactical details might have shifted do not diminish the overarching truths he has conveyed about Shettima’s integrity, commitment, and effectiveness.
He maintained his stance on the Vice President even when there were pointers to rumours of dropping Shettima as President Tinubu’s running mate and voices supporting Shettima ebbed. His pieces reassuring the public were constant, almost on a daily basis.
The consistency of Dr. Bwala’s analyses has contributed to public discourse. In an era where misinformation and partisan distortions abound, his balanced and verified reports offer a compass for policymakers, scholars, and citizens seeking to understand one of Nigeria’s most influential leaders. He sets a high bar for accuracy and context and exemplifies the important role that responsible journalism plays in democratic societies.
Dr. Bwala’s declaration of never having been wrong about Vice President Shettima over more than one thousand articles reflects his dedication to truth-telling and insightful political analysis. Through his detailed examination of Shettima’s governance of Borno State amid insurgency challenges and his ongoing contributions as Vice President, Dr. Bwala has demonstrated accuracy, contextual sensitivity, and analytical depth. His work has affirmed the significance of Vice President Shettima’s leadership and underscored the value of rigorous, fact-based reportage in shaping informed public opinion and guiding effective governance.
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Dr. James Bwala, a political analyst, has said he has never been wrong about Vice President Kashim Shettima in over 1,000 articles written about him.
Editor’s Note: This is an opinion/analysis piece by Lazarus Balami. The claims and assessments contained herein are those of the author and Dr. James Bwala and do not represent the position of this publication.
