Vice-President Kashim Shettima has launched a scathing attack on Peter Obi, accusing the opposition figure of running himself out of the 2027 presidential race through “lies and bogus statistics.”
Shettima made the remarks on Friday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The event was attended by President Bola Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, and other senior party leaders.
Taking aim at Obi’s recent movements and political standing, the Vice-President claimed the former presidential candidate had squandered his political goodwill.
“I hear my friend Peter Obi is back in the country after sneaking out to have a rest. He might have avoided Lagos and Abuja on arrival, but clearly this gentleman has run himself out of this race with his lies and bogus statistics,” Shettima said.
“Peter Obi has clearly messed up and squandered his goodwill. He no longer excites. When he speaks these days, he only draws suspicions. Too bad for him.”
Turning his attention to Atiku Abubakar, Shettima challenged the former Vice-President’s claims that his longevity in public service makes him the most qualified candidate to govern the country. He argued that Nigerians should judge Atiku by his tangible achievements rather than the sheer number of years he spent in office.
“Whenever Alhaji Atiku Abubakar speaks about his experience and record of public service, I wonder whether he believes Nigerians have lost their memories,” Shettima said.
While acknowledging Atiku’s career in the Nigeria Customs Service and his eight-year tenure as Vice-President from 1999 to 2007, Shettima maintained that time served does not automatically equate to effective leadership.
“Nobody disputes that Mr. Atiku attended the School of Hygiene in Kano, subsequently joined the Nigeria Customs Service, and became the Vice-President of Nigeria for eight years. These are facts, but true experience cannot be established merely by counting the years spent in public service.
“The more important questions are what one accomplished, which institutions one strengthened, and which leaders one prepared to carry forward a common vision,” he added.
Contrasting Atiku’s record with President Tinubu’s, Shettima highlighted Tinubu’s educational background, professional career, and political history as benchmarks of impactful governance. He maintained that voters are entitled to scrutinize the achievements and shortcomings of both leaders.
The Vice-President also questioned Atiku’s administrative and business acumen, concluding: “And now, how about we move beyond qualifications and put into context Atiku’s administrative, business, and political sagacity—that is, if any exists. Charity, they say, begins at home.”
The remarks come amid shifting political alignments and ongoing debates regarding the 2027 presidential landscape.
