Vice-President Kashim Shettima has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, accusing him of losing public goodwill through what he described as lies and bogus statistics ahead of the 2027 general election.
Shettima made the remarks on Friday, November 6, 2026, while speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where President Bola Tinubu also participated in campaign activities.
The Vice-President claimed that Obi had weakened his political standing and no longer generated the excitement that surrounded his political movement during the 2023 presidential election.
Follow PenTalk News
Get breaking news, important updates and the latest stories directly on your phone.
Speaking at the rally, Shettima said he had heard that Obi had returned to Nigeria after travelling abroad to rest.
“I hear my friend Peter Obi is back in the country after sneaking out to have a rest. He might have avoided Lagos and Abuja on arrival,” he said.
Shettima further accused the former Anambra State governor of undermining his chances in the forthcoming presidential election through what he called misleading figures and statistics.
“And clearly this gentleman has run himself out of this race with his lies and bogus statistics. We warned him that he’ll get to that,” the Vice-President stated.
He added that Obi had squandered the goodwill he previously enjoyed among Nigerians, claiming that his public statements now generated suspicion rather than excitement.
“Peter Obi has clearly messed up and squandered away his goodwill; he no longer excites when he speaks these days. He draws suspicions, too bad for him,” Shettima added.
Shettima’s criticism comes amid 2027 political contest
The Vice-President’s remarks represent another round of criticism directed at Obi by senior figures in the Tinubu administration as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Shettima had previously criticised Obi’s use of economic statistics and policy comparisons, particularly his references to other countries when discussing Nigeria’s economic challenges.
However, the latest comments reflect Shettima’s political assessment of Obi’s popularity and electoral prospects. They do not establish that the NDC candidate has lost the support of Nigerians.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, has since moved to the NDC, where he is seeking another opportunity to contest for the presidency.
Tinubu inaugurates airport terminal in Akwa Ibom
Earlier during the visit, President Tinubu inaugurated projects executed by the Akwa Ibom State Government under Governor Umo Eno.
One of the projects was the newly constructed terminal building at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo.
Speaking during the visit, Tinubu described Akwa Ibom as a familiar place, recalling his previous connection with the state through his days working with Mobil.
“I recall my days in Mobil when I contributed to the development of Eket, I did not know that one day I will become Nigeria’s President,” Tinubu said.
The President also praised Governor Eno, describing him as a great and visionary leader committed to creating lasting legacies in the state.
Tinubu further linked the governor’s commitment to infrastructure development with the Federal Government’s decision to grant Victor Attah International Airport international flight status.
The visit combined political mobilisation by the ruling APC with the inauguration of infrastructure projects as the party positions itself ahead of the 2027 general election.
