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Vice-President Kashim Shettima has challenged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over their economic proposals, arguing that Nigeria needs homegrown solutions to address its development challenges.
Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
He defended the administration’s economic approach and called for continuity beyond 2027, arguing that Nigeria’s population, size and economic complexities required policies tailored to its circumstances.
“A country of over 250 million people cannot be governed through borrowed statistics and economic prescriptions detached from its peculiarities,” he said.
Shettima Questions Obi’s Economic Proposals
The vice-president criticised Obi’s reliance on foreign economic models and international statistical comparisons, saying policies successful in other countries might not necessarily work in Nigeria without adaptation.
He compared the uncritical adoption of foreign economic prescriptions to trying to fit a garment designed for a smaller person onto someone with a considerably larger frame.
Shettima also challenged Obi’s claim regarding the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.
“I respect Peter Obi. But he has gone beyond his mastery of philosophy to make an august claim about winning the 2023 presidential election without adducing a shred of evidence to buttress his assertion,” he said.
Atiku Faces Questions Over Leadership
Shettima also questioned Atiku’s pursuit of the presidency, arguing that ambition for the nation’s highest office must be accompanied by character, discipline and an understanding of the responsibilities of leadership.
He said governing Nigeria required more than a desire to become president, stressing the importance of political maturity and a realistic appreciation of national priorities.
The vice-president’s comments come as political actors begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC Members Urged To Focus On Issues
Despite his criticism of the opposition figures, Shettima urged members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council to avoid personal attacks and inflammatory exchanges during the forthcoming campaigns.
He said political disagreements should not undermine mutual respect among Nigerians.
He also called for electoral competition centred on policies, ideas, leadership records and competing visions for national development.
The vice-president maintained that political campaigns should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to assess proposals and determine which approaches best address the country’s challenges.
