Vice President Kashim Shettima has condemned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for what he called disrespectful remarks about President Bola Tinubu, insisting that anyone aspiring to the presidency must demonstrate discipline and respect for public institutions.
Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election.
In his address, Shettima said neither Atiku’s repeated presidential campaigns nor his recent policy proposals justified what he regarded as disrespectful language toward the incumbent president. He also raised questions about how Atiku’s proposed production subsidies would be financed.
“Those who want equity must come with clean hands. You can call him Bola. If you like, you can call him Adekunle. But the truth is that he is the president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Atiku Abubakar. I will still respect him and call him his former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
“I will not follow suit with the maverick Babachir Lawal and call him Kachalla, no. But believe me, Atiku Abubakar, who has contested for the presidency of this country for the eighth time, is no Abraham Lincoln. He is more of Oginga Odinga.”
Shettima presented his criticism as a point about the standards of conduct expected from presidential candidates, arguing that the more senior the office they pursue, the greater their responsibility in what they say and how they engage with public institutions.
“The presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not an ordinary political prize. It is the highest expression of constitutional authority in our country. And those who aspire to occupy it must demonstrate, even before they get there, the qualities they will expect of themselves if entrusted with the responsibility of leading more than 200 million Nigerians.
“Political ambition is not merely the desire to occupy public office. It is a test of character, cerebral strength, intellectual maturity, and responsibility. The higher the office a person seeks, the greater the discipline expected in his words, conduct, and relationship with public institutions,” he added.
Regarding Atiku’s proposal for production subsidies, Shettima raised concerns about the cost and the competing priorities it could impact.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this political season has become a masterclass in cinematic comedy. Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal for production subsidies raises questions that some changes cannot answer. Who pays? Who benefits? And which competing priorities must surrender their funding? A change in ideological wardrobe cannot balance a national budget.”
Held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council officially highlighted the expanded campaign structure as the ruling party geared up for the 2027 general election.
