Politics · October 15, 2026 ·

Nigeria's 2027 presidential campaign is intensifying after Vice President Kashim Shettima criticized Peter Obi's economic arguments and took aim at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the inauguration of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on October 14.

According to Sahara Reporters and a separate report by The Punch, Shettima accused Obi of relying on what he called “bogus statistics and incoherent economic prescriptions.” He also questioned Atiku's economic expertise and mocked his repeated attempts to become president.

The remarks have brought economic policy, Nigeria's development comparisons with other countries and the credibility of opposition leaders into sharper focus as parties prepare for the 2027 election.

Why Shettima Compared Nigeria to Bangladesh

At the center of Shettima's criticism was Obi's tendency to compare Nigeria's economic performance and government policies with those of other countries, particularly Bangladesh.

Using a clothing analogy, Shettima argued that a policy that works in one country cannot automatically be expected to work in another without considering differences in population, economic structure, institutions and national circumstances.

He said Nigeria could not be governed through what he characterised as borrowed statistics and economic prescriptions detached from local realities.

The argument raises an important economic policy question: Should Nigeria benchmark its development against countries that have achieved progress in areas where it continues to struggle, or should it prioritise solutions designed specifically for its own circumstances?

These approaches are not necessarily mutually exclusive. International comparisons can help identify successful policies, but their relevance depends on the quality of the data, the differences between countries and whether the policies can be adapted effectively.

Shettima's criticism, however, does not by itself establish that Obi's statistics are inaccurate. Assessing that allegation requires examining the particular figures Obi cited, their original sources, the periods covered and the indicators being compared.

Shettima Also Challenges Obi's Claim About the 2023 Election

The vice president also challenged Obi over his assertions concerning the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.

Obi contested that election as the Labour Party candidate and finished third in the official results, behind Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar. He challenged the result in court, but the Supreme Court dismissed his appeal and affirmed Tinubu's election in October 2023.

Shettima argued that Obi had not substantiated his claim that he won the election and used strong language to dismiss the assertion.

It is important to distinguish between the official election outcome and a candidate's political interpretation of that outcome. The courts affirmed Tinubu's victory; Shettima's further characterization of Obi's position is a political criticism, not an independent statistical finding.

Atiku Abubakar Also Comes Under Fire

Shettima extended his criticism to Atiku Abubakar, who is associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 political contest.

He questioned Atiku's economic credentials and argued that the ability to collect taxes does not, by itself, make someone an economic expert.

Shettima also referred to Atiku's repeated presidential campaigns, comparing his political persistence with that of Raila Odinga, the Kenyan political figure known for multiple presidential bids.

The comments reflect a broader contest over economic credibility. The APC is challenging the opposition's qualifications and policy proposals, while opposition leaders have criticized the Tinubu administration over the cost of living, economic reforms and insecurity.

Ultimately, economic competence is better assessed through specific policy proposals, relevant experience, measurable results and the feasibility of proposed solutions than through personal attacks.

What This Means for the 2027 Campaign

The exchange highlights three important issues likely to feature in the political debate.

• • Economic performance: Nigerians will be looking for evidence that government policies can improve purchasing power, create jobs and reduce the pressure of rising living costs.
  • Credibility of statistics: Political claims about economic growth, poverty, public debt and living standards need to be assessed against reliable, comparable data.
  • Accountability and policy alternatives: The ruling party must explain the results of its policies, while opposition candidates must show how their proposals would work and how they would be funded.

The APC's campaign council inauguration provides a platform for the ruling party to defend the Tinubu administration's record. For the opposition, the challenge is to respond with verifiable evidence and clearly articulated alternatives rather than allowing the discussion to remain centered on personal exchanges.

Neither side's rhetoric should be treated as proof of its economic claims.

Note:

Shettima's remarks have placed Peter Obi's international economic comparisons and Atiku Abubakar's economic credentials at the center of a fresh political dispute ahead of the 2027 election.

The underlying issues deserve scrutiny beyond campaign speeches. If Obi's comparisons with Bangladesh are disputed, the relevant statistics should be examined individually. If the APC believes its economic policies are producing results, those results should also be measured against reliable economic indicators and their effects on households.

The central question for voters is not simply which politician has the sharpest response, but which claims can withstand scrutiny and which policies offer credible, measurable solutions to Nigeria's problems.

Source: Saharareporters