Vice-President Kashim Shettima has questioned the presidential platform of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general elections, claiming the former Anambra State governor has little to present to citizens beyond figures.
Speaking on Monday at a gathering in Abuja, Shettima called on leaders in the economic community to back the Federal Government's ongoing reforms. While acknowledging Obi's stance on not restoring the petrol subsidy, Shettima argued that Obi has nothing else to provide the nation, according to a report by Politics Nigeria.
Shettima stated that Obi was simply surviving on numbers and figures. He appealed directly to prominent economic figures in the country to support the current administration, echoing an earlier speech in Abuja where he referred to the former governor as someone using questionable statistics.
During his address, the vice-president also backed the federal decision to end the petrol subsidy by comparing local fuel prices with those in border nations. He stated that petrol costs around N1,390 in Nigeria, whereas it sells for approximately N1,148.36 in Niger Republic, N1,729.29 in Benin Republic, and N1,945.50 in Cameroon.
Shettima observed that Nigeria previously used about 67 million litres of fuel each day, arguing that past pricing structures made the country advantageous to neighbouring states at its own expense.
Meanwhile, Obi has regularly pushed back against the administration's economic management, calling for transparency, fiscal discipline, and reduced public spending.
At the same time, the NDC responded to comments by President Bola Tinubu, who suggested at a weekend event in Kaduna that opposition groups caused hunger and poverty in the country. Appearing on Channels Television's Morning Brief, NDC National Publicity Secretary Osa Director said the administration should address the country's economic struggles rather than assign blame.
Director argued that whether or not the opposition is faulted, the sitting government retains the duty to resolve hardship for Nigerians. He added that the ruling party's comments suggest it has few accomplishments to display as the 2027 campaign approaches.
