Vice-President Kashim Shettima has turned up the political heat ahead of the 2027 general election after criticising opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja.
Shettima questioned whether opposition politicians could successfully govern Nigeria when, in his view, they had struggled to maintain unity within their own political parties.
“Those offering to rescue Nigeria cannot keep their own political households intact,” he said, challenging opposition leaders to demonstrate that they could reconcile competing interests before asking Nigerians to trust them with the country’s leadership.
The vice-president also defended the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, including petrol subsidy removal and changes to the foreign exchange system. He argued that political candidates should explain how their proposals would be funded and what trade-offs their policies might require.
His remarks came as the APC unveiled its expanded campaign council, which includes prominent politicians outside the ruling party. The move has attracted both praise from supporters who see it as a broad coalition and criticism from opposition figures who question its purpose.
Shettima urged campaign officials to focus on organisation, persuasion and measurable results rather than allowing political exchanges to become a contest of insults. He also acknowledged that the government must ensure Nigerians begin to feel tangible benefits through employment, affordable food and reliable public services.
The comments have added another chapter to the increasingly vocal debate over who is best placed to lead Nigeria from 2027. The ruling party is defending its record and promoting continuity, while opposition figures are highlighting hardship and questioning the effectiveness of government policies.
As the election approaches, Nigerians will hear more speeches, counterattacks and campaign promises. The real test will be whether the competing political camps can offer convincing answers to the problems citizens face every day.
For voters, the debate is bigger than personalities: it is about leadership, economic direction, security and whether promises will translate into real improvements.
