Kashim Shettima says Peter Obi has squandered his goodwill, accusing him of spreading lies and bogus statistics ahead of the 2027 election

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has accused former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi of squandering the goodwill he enjoyed among Nigerians, alleging that the opposition politician has lost public support through what he described as lies and bogus statistics.

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Shettima made the remarks on Friday, November 6, 2026, while speaking at the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign rally in honour of President Bola Tinubu at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The rally was attended by Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno and other APC leaders.

The Vice-President said Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the Labour Party platform and is now the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, no longer commands the excitement and public enthusiasm he once enjoyed.

“Peter Obi has clearly messed up and squandered away his goodwill. He no longer excites. When he speaks these days, he only draws suspicions. Too bad for him,” Shettima said.

He also criticised Obi over his recent political activities and return to Nigeria, alleging that the former Anambra State governor had undermined his presidential ambition through inaccurate claims and statistics.

“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,” he said.

Shettima also turned his attention to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, questioning his claim to extensive leadership experience based on his years in public service.

He acknowledged Atiku’s career in the Nigeria Customs Service and his eight years as Vice-President under former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, but argued that time spent in public office should not be the sole measure of leadership experience.

“Whenever Vice President Atiku Abubakar speaks about his experience and record of public service, I wonder whether he believes Nigerians have lost their memories,” Shettima said.

He added that the more important consideration was what political leaders achieved while in office, the institutions they strengthened and the people they prepared to sustain their vision.

“The more important questions are what one accomplished, which institutions one strengthened, and which leaders one prepared to carry forward a common vision,” he said.

The Vice-President contrasted Atiku’s record with Tinubu’s, referring to the President’s education, professional career, political activities and experience in public office.

He maintained that Nigerians should examine the achievements and shortcomings of both political figures rather than rely solely on their qualifications or years in government.

Shettima further questioned Atiku’s administrative, business and political record, saying, “And now, how about we move beyond qualifications and put into context Atiku’s administrative, business and political sagacity, that is, if it has any. Charity, they say, begins at home.”

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The comments come amid political realignments and reported leadership challenges within the African Democratic Congress, against the backdrop of preparations for the 2027 presidential election.