Shettima Peter Obi criticism intensifies as the Vice-President defends petrol subsidy removal and challenges the opposition leader’s economic arguments.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has criticised Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, claiming that the former Anambra State governor has little to offer Nigerians beyond citing economic statistics.

Also read: Super Falcons Captain Ajibade Begins Recovery After Surgery

Shettima made the remarks at an event in Abuja on Monday, October 26, 2026, where he urged members of Nigeria’s economic community to support the Federal Government’s policies and defended its decision to remove the petrol subsidy.

“I respect Peter Obi for having the courage to say he’s not going to restore the petrol subsidy, but beyond spouting some statistics, Mr Peter Obi has absolutely nothing to offer,” the Vice-President said.

“He was surviving on various statistics. So, I call on you, the crème de la crème of the Nigerian economic community, to support us,” he added.

Shettima also compared petrol prices in Nigeria with those in neighbouring countries, arguing that the figures illustrated the consequences of the country’s previous fuel pricing arrangements.

“A few years ago, Nigeria was consuming around 67 million litres of fuel per day,” he said.

He put petrol prices at approximately ₦1,148.36 per litre in Niger Republic, ₦1,729.29 in Benin Republic and ₦1,945.50 in Cameroon, compared with ₦1,390 in Nigeria.

“The comparison is wide. Nigeria was Christmas for other African countries,” he said.

The figures were presented by Shettima in defence of the government’s position on petrol pricing.

However, fuel prices can vary by country, location and date, and the comparison would require independently verified, contemporaneous data to establish whether the figures are directly comparable.

The Vice-President’s comments come amid continued political debate over the removal of the petrol subsidy and its impact on the Nigerian economy, with opposition politicians questioning the government’s management of rising living costs.

Obi, a former Anambra State governor, has frequently used economic data and public spending figures when criticising government policies.

He has also advocated fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability in public administration.

Shettima’s latest remarks echo comments he made during the 2023 election campaign, when he described Obi as having “absolutely nothing to offer apart from dubious statistics”.

At the time, Shettima was the All Progressives Congress vice-presidential candidate, while Obi contested the presidency under the Labour Party. 

The renewed criticism comes as political parties and their candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections, with economic management and the cost of living likely to remain central issues in public debate.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration announced the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, shortly after he assumed office.

The policy was followed by sharp increases in petrol prices and transport costs, contributing to wider concerns about household purchasing power.

The Federal Government has defended the decision as a measure intended to reduce the fiscal burden of subsidy payments and redirect public resources.

Critics, however, have called for stronger support for households and more effective measures to cushion the effects of higher living costs.

Also read: Super Falcons Captain Ajibade Begins Recovery After Surgery

Shettima urged economic stakeholders to support the government’s approach, while his comments on Obi added to the political exchanges between the ruling APC and opposition figures ahead of the next presidential election.