Shettima Calls Peter Obi 'Master of Bogus Statistics and Incoherent Economic Prescriptions' at APC Campaign Council Launch

Vice President Kashim Shettima has labeled Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a 'master of bogus statistics and incoherent economic prescriptions.' Shettima made the comment on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, while speaking at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said Obi often presents statistics. According to Shettima, a country of more than 250 million people cannot be run using 'borrowed statistics and economic prescriptions detached from its peculiarities.' Shettima called Obi 'my very good friend,' but argued that Obi's tendency to compare Nigeria with other countries, especially Bangladesh, is not tenable. He used a clothing metaphor, saying a size 36 shirt designed for Bangladesh would not fit Nigeria's size 52 frame. In his view, Obi's attraction to foreign comparisons misses the unique features that separate one nation from another. Shettima said governance is an art that requires understanding of context—social, economic, political, or institutional. He added that what succeeds in Bangladesh cannot simply be moved to Nigeria without taking into account differences in population, economic structures, institutions, and national circumstances. He repeated that a nation of over 250 million people cannot be governed through borrowed statistics and economic prescriptions without considering its peculiarities. He described this as 'delusion of grandeur' and said the context reflects yesterday's politics presented as tomorrow's deliverance. Shettima also said political opponents should be treated with respect and viewed as fellow Nigerians rather than enemies. He said that for the rest of the campaign, they would discuss ideas and policies while treating all opponents with respect and dignity. He described opponents as brothers, countrymen, and leaders. He warned APC campaigners not to be pulled into insult exchanges, saying they can respond to innuendos and outright lies from political opponents. However, he said they would not fall into traps; they would provide facts and statistics and argue with reason, not sentiment.