The Peter Obi Media Office has criticised Vice-President Kashim Shettima for describing the former Anambra State governor as “diminished,” challenging him to focus on verifiable governance records, policies and political ideas rather than personal remarks ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 18, 2026, and signed by its spokesperson, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the media office questioned what it described as inconsistent treatment of opposition figures by the Vice-President. The statement followed Shettima’s comments at a political gathering in Abuja, where he dismissed concerns about Obi’s electoral influence while identifying internal divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a greater challenge.
Shettima made the remarks on Saturday during the inauguration of the campaign headquarters of Arewa for Asiwaju, a political group supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. Addressing party supporters, the Vice-President said he was more concerned about disagreements within the APC than the threat posed by opposition politicians.
“I am not afraid of a diminished Peter Obi,” Shettima declared, while warning that internal contradictions within the ruling party could undermine its preparations for the forthcoming elections.
The Vice-President also urged APC members to remain united and support candidates contesting elections at different levels. He cautioned against concentrating exclusively on the presidential election while neglecting the party’s governorship and legislative candidates.
However, Obi’s media office objected to the description of its principal, arguing that political disagreements should not become grounds for dismissive personal characterisations.
The office specifically questioned why Shettima had called for respect towards former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, another opposition politician, while describing Obi in terms it considered disparaging.
“Although Shettima has the right to oppose Obi, it is difficult to understand why he would demand respect for one opposition leader while casually dismissing another,” the statement said.
The campaign office maintained that political competition should allow public officials to challenge opponents’ policies and records without questioning their personal standing through dismissive language.
It defended Obi’s approach to political engagement, describing his public statements and campaign activities as focused on governance and national development rather than personal attacks.
The media office also drew attention to the fact that Obi and Shettima previously served as state governors, arguing that their respective administrations provided a basis for comparing their records in public office.
Obi governed Anambra State between 2006 and 2014, while Shettima served as governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019. Their periods in office therefore overlapped, although they governed states facing different economic, administrative and security circumstances.
The campaign office claimed that Obi's administration recorded stronger outcomes in several areas, particularly fiscal management, education and healthcare. It cited awards and recognition associated with his tenure as part of its argument.
However, the statement did not provide comparative statistics or supporting documentation sufficient to independently establish the claimed difference in performance between the two administrations.
The media office nevertheless challenged Shettima to respond with evidence if he disagreed with its assessment of Obi’s governance record.
“If Shettima contests any aspect of Obi’s record, he should present the facts rather than resort to political name-calling,” the statement declared.
The campaign office also addressed political leaders from the South-East, particularly those affiliated with the APC, urging them not to allow party loyalty to determine whether they challenge remarks they consider disrespectful towards political figures from their region.
It maintained that differences in political affiliation should not prevent public officials and party supporters from recognising the right of opponents to participate in political debate without personal disparagement.
The statement further argued that Nigerians should evaluate political candidates through their previous performance in public office, the credibility of their policy proposals and their plans for addressing national challenges.
The exchange comes as political parties and presidential candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections. Obi is contesting the presidency on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, while Shettima remains a leading figure in the APC administration seeking another term.
The disagreement also reflects two distinct arguments advanced by the political camps. Shettima's remarks focused on the importance of unity within the APC and his assessment of opposition strength, while Obi's media office responded by questioning the language used and demanding scrutiny of governance records.
Although the campaign office has challenged the Vice-President to present evidence, its own comparison of their performances as governors would similarly require independently verifiable data to establish the outcomes it claims.
The statement concluded by maintaining that Obi’s political relevance should be determined by the electorate rather than by the Vice-President’s description of him.
“The Nigerian people, rather than Shettima’s rhetoric, will determine Peter Obi’s political relevance,” it said.
As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, the disagreement places renewed attention on the role of governance records, policy proposals and public statements in political debate, with voters ultimately responsible for assessing the competing claims presented by candidates and their supporters.
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