Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed to aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State to resolve their differences ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He also urged political gladiators in the state and beyond to play politics without bitterness, reminding them that they would spend more of their lives outside public office than in office.

Shettima spoke on Wednesday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the turbaning of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

His appeal came against the backdrop of the crisis that followed the May primaries in the state, which led some governorship aspirants to form a group known as the G-15.

The Vice President said public office holders should serve with conscience, humility and fear of God, while having the courage to forgive one another for posterity's sake.

"As public office holders, we spend more of our lives outside public offices than we do in public offices. Let us embrace each other; let us have the courage to serve with humility.

"We are in power not because of our pedigree, intellect, ability, or physical build, but by destiny. What brings us together supersedes what separates us.

"I call on all of us to unite in this political season and play politics without bitterness. The truth that set us free is also the truth that people don't want to hear," he said.

Shettima stressed that power is transient and that Allah gives it to whoever He wishes.

He recalled that only six of the 19 northern governors, including Governor AbdulRazaq, supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's presidential ambition in 2023.

According to him, the rumour at the time was that "Baba (Buhari) Bayan sunshi", meaning that former President Muhammadu Buhari did not want Tinubu as president.

Shettima said despite the challenges, Tinubu overcame the hurdles and became president without hurting anyone, describing the experience as one politicians should learn from ahead of the 2027 elections.

Describing Tinubu as "a good person and leader" under whom he was pleased to serve as Vice President, Shettima urged political gladiators to emulate the President's large-heartedness.

The turbaning ceremony attracted dignitaries, including the governors of Niger State, Umar Bago; Kaduna State, Uba Sani; Imo State, Hope Uzodinma; Katsina State, Umar Radda; and Kebbi State.

Others included the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli; and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Laoye II.

The governors of Sokoto, Anambra, Nasarawa, Delta, Ondo and Oyo states were represented by their deputies.