Shagari contested most difficult election in Nigeria, defeated Awolowo, Zik, Aminu Kano – Grandson

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A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State, Nuhudin Mohammed Mahe, stated on Friday that former President Shehu Shagari faced what he described as the most challenging election in the nation’s history.

Mahe, who is Shagari’s maternal grandson, recalled that Shagari triumphed over prominent political figures such as Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Waziri Ibrahim, and Aminu Kano to win the presidency.

Shagari served as Nigeria’s President during the Second Republic, holding office from 1979 until December 31, 1983, when his administration was overthrown in a coup led by then-General Muhammadu Buhari.

According to Mahe, Shagari’s deep religious belief and reputation for honesty were key to his achievements.

While speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Inside Sources, the APC leader from Sokoto remarked: “Shehu Shagari’s administration was interrupted by the military intervention in 1983 – you know that before you hang a dog, you must give it a name to justify your actions – the military junta of Buhari accused Shagari’s administration of so many things.”

“They said it was corrupt, embezzlement of public funds, state aggrandizement, bankruptcy but to set the facts straight, Shagari faced the first global economic recession and there was a struggle to ensure that austerity measures were put in place so that the economy will be stable, but all those efforts were not achieved and that was why they toppled the government.

“But Shagari performed tremendously well in various sectors of human endeavours. There are lots of legacies Shagari left while in office. He also left behind legacies of honesty, integrity, patriotism and selfless service to humanity which we the family are very happy proud of.

“Shehu Shagari contested a very difficult election because the likes of Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Waziri Ibrahim, Aminu Kano were far above him in terms of influence, wealth, popularity and media.

“Nevertheless, he was able to win the election, so you see in the history of Nigeria, Shagari contested a very difficult election. So in my own perspective, what makes him successful was his faith in God, trustworthiness, and he never wished anybody ill.”

Mahe also spoke on Shagari’s arrest and detention, after his government was overthrown: “Shagari lost so many things like his government documents that were very important to him. Also some of his belongings which he lost in that house.”

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