Speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima said the ruling party had maintained a broad national coalition under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
He contrasted the APC’s political structure with the divisions among opposition figures positioning themselves for the 2027 general election.
“Under President Tinubu, the APC has sustained a broad national coalition. Meanwhile, those offering to rescue Nigeria cannot keep their own political households intact,” he said.
The vice-president challenged opposition leaders to demonstrate their ability to reconcile competing interests within their parties before seeking to govern a country of more than 200 million people.
“If reconciling a few party leaders defeats you, how will you reconcile the interests of over 200 million citizens?” he asked.
Shettima Takes Aim at Atiku’s Economic Proposals
Shettima also criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal on production subsidies, questioning how such a policy would be funded and what other government priorities might be affected.
“Who pays? Who benefits? And which competing priorities must surrender their funding?” he asked.
He added: “A change of ideological wardrobe cannot balance a national budget.”
The vice-president argued that candidates seeking public office must demonstrate sound judgement, discipline and a clear understanding of the economic implications of their policies.
2027 Political Battle Intensifies
Shettima’s comments come as political parties and prominent politicians intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election, in which Tinubu is seeking a second term.
Opposition figures have been exploring alliances and political arrangements aimed at mounting a stronger challenge to the ruling party.
The APC, meanwhile, has continued to defend the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system.
However, the government faces pressure to translate its economic policies into tangible improvements in living standards, as Nigerians continue to contend with the cost of living.
The emerging political contest is expected to centre on the government’s record, the opposition’s ability to present a united alternative and the competing visions offered to voters.
