Vice-President Kashim Shettima has strongly criticized former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over what he characterized as disrespectful conduct toward President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that individuals seeking the nation’s top office must display political discipline, character, and institutional respect.
Speaking on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in Abuja during a public address on state affairs and political conduct, the Vice-President admonished opposition contenders against resorting to personal slurs and dismissive rhetoric targeting the nation’s highest elected leadership.
Shettima asserted that political ambition should not serve as a license to erode respect for public offices, emphasizing that leadership demands a high standard of decorum before citizens.
”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,” Shettima declared. “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.”
Addressing Atiku’s persistent bids for the presidency, Shettima noted that repeated electoral contests do not confer immunity from basic standards of political discipline or respect for state institutions.
”I will still respect him and call him his former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar,” Shettima said, before adding that Atiku “is no Abraham Lincoln” and comparing his repeated presidential bids to that of Kenya’s historic opposition leader, Oginga Odinga.
He emphasized that regardless of political differences or first-name references made by critics, Bola Tinubu remains the constitutionally elected President and Commander-in-Chief.
Beyond matters of conduct, Vice-President Shettima took aim at Atiku’s economic policy proposals, specifically criticizing his plan for production subsidies.
Describing aspects of the opposition’s policy debates as a “masterclass in cinematic comedy,” Shettima questioned the viability and fiscal sustainability of the proposed subsidies.
”Who pays? Who benefits? And which competing priorities must surrender their funding? A change in ideological wardrobe cannot balance a national budget,” Shettima stated, challenging opposition figures to present realistic financial blueprints rather than populistic promises.
While delivering sharp rebukes, Shettima urged politicians across party lines to elevate the standard of public debate as election seasons approach. He noted that while robust debate on economic direction is essential, it must focus on ideas, record of service, and verifiable plans rather than personal hostility.
As of Wednesday evening, spokespersons for Atiku Abubakar, including Paul Ibe and Phrank Shaibu, had yet to issue a formal counter-statement responding directly to the Vice-President’s remarks.
