The Peter Obi Media Office has criticised Vice-President Kashim Shettima over his description of Obi as “diminished,” questioning why he demanded respect for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar while speaking dismissively about another opposition presidential candidate.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the office said political differences should be contested through candidates’ records, policies and proposals rather than personal denigration.
The response followed Shettima’s remarks at the unveiling of the Arewa for Asiwaju campaign headquarters in Abuja on Saturday. At the event, the Vice-President expressed confidence in the APC’s electoral prospects, saying divisions within the ruling party concerned him more than its opposition challengers.
Obi’s media office took exception to what it described as a double standard in Shettima’s treatment of the opposition.
“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.
The office defended the former Anambra governor’s conduct, maintaining that his political engagement had emphasised policy discussions and avoided personal abuse. It argued that disagreement with his candidacy did not justify dismissing his relevance without addressing his proposals or performance.
It also compared Obi’s tenure in Anambra with Shettima’s administration in Borno, claiming that Obi had a stronger record in fiscal discipline, healthcare and education. Those assessments were presented by Obi’s media office as part of its defence of the candidate.
The statement challenged the Vice-President to identify specific shortcomings in Obi’s record and support his criticisms with evidence.
It also addressed South-East political leaders, particularly APC members, urging them to consider the respect Shettima requested for Atiku when speaking about political opponents from their own region.
The office maintained that party loyalty should not excuse disrespect towards another Nigerian. It called for campaigns centred on governance records and policy choices, saying voters should determine candidates’ political relevance.
Sources: THISDAY: https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/10/19/peter-obi-media-office-faults-shettima-over-remarks-on-its-presidential-candidate/ Trust Radio: https://trustradio.com.ng/en/obis-camp-knocks-shettima-over-remark-on-ndc-candidate
Source: THISDAY; Trust Radio
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