Kashim Shettima Dismisses Peter Obi's 2023 Election Claims

Vice President Kashim Shettima dismissed claims by Peter Obi that the latter won the 2023 presidential election, labeling the assertion a "delusion of grandeur." Speaking Wednesday during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, Shettima accused Obi of relying on "bogus statistics" and lacking evidence to support his claims.

Shettima further criticized Obi's economic proposals, arguing that they rely on foreign models—specifically citing Bangladesh—that do not fit Nigeria's unique social and economic context. He used a clothing analogy to argue that a model tailored for another country would not fit Nigeria's size 52 frame, stating that a nation of over 250 million people cannot be governed through borrowed statistics.

Beyond his critique of Obi, Shettima questioned the character and discipline of political opponent Atiku Abubakar. He defended the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu, including foreign exchange adjustments and the removal of the petrol subsidy, citing a 4.2 percent economic growth rate in the first half of 2026 as evidence of progress. Shettima argued that Tinubu deserves a second term to maintain this momentum.

The event marked the formal launch of the APC's expanded campaign structure for the January 16, 2027, general election. The party is scheduled to officially flag off its presidential campaign in Kaduna on October 24. Meanwhile, Obi is seeking the presidency again under the Nigeria Democratic Congress.