The opposition figure’s camp accuses the vice-president of selective respect and challenges him to debate records and policies ahead of the 2027 election.
The Peter Obi Media Office has criticised Vice-President Kashim Shettima for describing Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, as “diminished”, accusing the vice-president of applying different standards of respect to opposition politicians.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 18, the media office’s spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, said political leaders should focus on candidates’ records, policies and ideas rather than personal remarks as parties prepare for the 2027 general election.
The criticism followed Shettima’s remarks on Saturday at the unveiling of the campaign headquarters of Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A), a northern coalition supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
“Honestly, I am not afraid of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I am not afraid of a diminished Peter Obi. But I am more afraid of internal contradictions within our household,” Shettima said, referring to divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He also cautioned northern political leaders against supporting the presidential ticket while undermining APC candidates contesting elections in their states.
Obi’s media office took issue with the vice-president’s choice of words, particularly against the backdrop of his call for northerners to show respect to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, an opposition figure.
“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.
Obi’s media office challenges Shettima over political respect
The media office argued that political differences should not prevent leaders from acknowledging the standing and contributions of their opponents.
It described Obi’s campaign as professional and focused on policy issues, maintaining that the former Anambra governor had avoided abusive language against political opponents.
“As a man of great decency, our candidate has conducted his campaign professionally and decorously. He has consistently focused his remarks on issues and has neither discussed nor used abusive language against anyone,” the statement said.
The office also appealed to political leaders in the South-East, including those aligned with the APC, to distinguish party loyalty from the need to uphold mutual respect among political actors.
It argued that support for a political party should not require its members to tolerate what they consider disrespectful remarks against fellow Nigerians.
“We urge Igbo leaders in the APC and all Nigerians to draw the appropriate lesson from this episode and note that political loyalty must never justify tolerating disrespect towards a fellow Nigerian,” the statement added.
Obi, Shettima’s records as governors questioned
The media office also compared the records of Obi and Shettima during their respective tenures as governors of Anambra and Borno states.
It argued that Obi’s administration performed better in key areas of governance, citing fiscal management and investments in education and healthcare.
“However, Obi’s performance in Anambra State across key areas of governance surpassed Shettima’s record in Borno State, as demonstrated by performance statistics and the awards he received,” the statement said.
However, the office did not provide comparative statistics or supporting documents in the statement to substantiate its assessment of the two administrations.
It challenged Shettima and other political opponents to present evidence if they disputed Obi’s record, rather than rely on political rhetoric.
“If Shettima contests any aspect of Obi’s record, he should present the facts rather than resort to political name-calling,” the statement added.
The exchange comes amid growing political positioning ahead of the 2027 general election. Obi, who previously contested the presidency under the Labour Party in 2023, has since moved to the NDC and emerged as a leading figure in the party’s preparations for the next election.
Shettima’s remarks formed part of a broader appeal for unity within the APC, with the vice-president warning that internal divisions could undermine the party’s electoral prospects.
The media office maintained that Obi’s political relevance would ultimately be determined by voters, not comments from his opponents.
“The Nigerian people, rather than Shettima’s rhetoric, will determine Peter Obi’s political relevance,” it said.
The disagreement highlights the increasingly sharp rhetoric among political camps ahead of the next general election. While political leaders are entitled to challenge opponents and question their records, the claims made by both sides will require evidence and scrutiny as voters assess competing candidates.
The Peter Obi Media Office concluded that the election debate should centre on records, policy proposals and governing philosophies rather than personal disparagement.
