Vice-President Kashim Shettima has challenged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to justify his claim of having the experience required to lead Nigeria, arguing that years spent in public office do not automatically translate into effective leadership.
Shettima also criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, accusing him of losing public goodwill through what he described as misleading claims and bogus statistics.
The Vice-President spoke on Friday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential rally in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, attended by President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other party leaders.
He commended Eno for joining the APC, describing the move as an act of courage, conviction and statesmanship. He said the governor’s decision reflected confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and vision.
Turning to Obi, Shettima criticised his economic proposals and public statements, claiming that the former Anambra governor had lost the goodwill he previously enjoyed.
“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 questioned Atiku’s claim to being the most experienced presidential contender. While acknowledging his service in the Nigeria Customs Service and his eight years as Vice-President from 1999 to 2007, he argued that leadership should be assessed by achievements and the institutions built during one’s time in office.
“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 duty,” he said.
He cited Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State governor from 1999 to 2007 and the emergence of his successors, Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as examples of political succession.
The Vice-President also questioned Atiku’s political influence in Adamawa State, arguing that anyone seeking to unite Nigeria must demonstrate the ability to resolve divisions within their political family, home state and region.
He further criticised Atiku’s role in the privatisation of national assets under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, alleging irregularities, corruption and procedural abuses.
However, Shettima said Nigerians should examine the records of all presidential aspirants, including Tinubu, before making their decisions.
“The presidency is not a retirement banquet for long years in politics. It is a responsibility that must be earned through ideas, competence, organisation, public confidence and demonstrable results,” he said.
He maintained that political experience should be reflected in sound judgment, institution-building and the ability to prepare successors.
“The question is no longer how long you have been in politics; it is what your years in politics have built, whom you have raised, and what has endured. The records are there. Let Nigerians judge,” he added.
Shettima thanked Akwa Ibom residents for welcoming the President and his entourage, expressing confidence in the state’s support for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.