By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, declaring that the opposition figures have no convincing alternatives to offer Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally held at the Akure Township Stadium, Ondo State, where he challenged opposition politicians to present their records and policy alternatives instead of relying on social media campaigns.
The Vice-President, while canvassing support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, dismissed the opposition’s approach to the 2027 contest, claiming that its leading figures had failed to demonstrate what they could offer the country.
He took a swipe at Atiku, questioning his political standing in Adamawa State and claiming that even former governors of the state were not aligned with him. Shettima also criticised Obi, alleging that his political campaign was built largely around what he described as “obnoxious data”, rather than tangible achievements.
The Vice-President contrasted the opposition’s activities with what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration in the last three and a half years, insisting that the Federal Government’s policies and interventions provided a basis for Nigerians to support the President for another term.
He also commended Ondo State APC leaders for putting their differences behind them and working towards a common political objective, urging them to translate the party’s unity into votes in 2027.
Shettima said Ondo State had about 2.1 million registered voters and challenged the party to mobilise support to secure at least 1.2 million votes for Tinubu.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who pledged to deliver one million votes for the President, thanked Tinubu for what he described as progressive policies and interventions in the state.
Other speakers at the rally, including Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, APC Governors’ Forum Chairman, Hope Uzodimma, and former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, also called for unity and mobilisation among party members ahead of the 2027 elections.
The rally attracted APC governors, serving and former political office holders, party leaders and supporters from across the state. Flags were presented to APC candidates, while music performances and solidarity chants added colour to the event.
