Vice-President Kashim Shettima has criticised former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, claiming that the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate has nothing to offer Nigerians beyond economic statistics, as political exchanges intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.Shettima made the remarks on Monday, October 26, 2026, while speaking at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja. He urged members of Nigeria’s economic community to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and its economic policies.“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.Shettima defended the Federal Government’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy in May 2023, arguing that the policy was necessary to address longstanding economic challenges. He also compared petrol prices in Nigeria with those in neighbouring countries, including Niger Republic, Benin Republic and Cameroon, to support his argument about the previous subsidy arrangement.The Vice-President said Nigeria had previously consumed about 67 million litres of petrol daily, arguing that the former system benefited other countries at Nigeria’s expense.
He urged business leaders and other stakeholders to support policies he said could strengthen the economy and attract investment.Shettima’s comments follow his earlier criticism of Obi, whom he described as a “master of bogus statistics” during an APC political event. Obi has frequently used economic figures to question government policies and advocate transparency, fiscal discipline and accountability. #KashimShettima #PeterObi
Joseph Akwagiobe is a media contributor from Cross River State, Nigeria, currently based in Abuja. He is a graduate of Microbiology and has earned several professional certifications across diverse fields, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and excellence.