Vice-President Kashim Shettima has launched a fresh attack on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, declaring that he is “no Abraham Lincoln” while criticising him for addressing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by his first name and questioning his proposed production subsidy policy ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The event provided an opportunity for the Vice-President to defend the Tinubu administration, challenge opposition figures and outline the ruling party’s arguments as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.

Shettima argued that anyone aspiring to become Nigeria’s president should demonstrate maturity, discipline and respect for public institutions, even while criticising the incumbent administration.

“Those who want equity must come with clean hands. You can call him Bola. If you like, you can call him Adekunle. But the truth is that he is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

The Vice-President added that he would continue to address Atiku by his former official title despite their political differences.

“Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Atiku Abubakar. I will still respect him and call him his former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar,” Shettima said.

He subsequently compared Atiku with Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, who is widely associated with the abolition of slavery in the country.

“But believe me, Atiku Abubakar, who has contested for the presidency of this country for the eighth time, is no Abraham Lincoln. He is more of Oginga Odinga,” the Vice-President said.

Oginga Odinga was a prominent Kenyan political figure who served as the country’s first vice-president. Shettima’s comparison formed part of his criticism of Atiku’s repeated presidential bids and political approach.

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The Vice-President maintained that the Nigerian presidency should not be regarded as an ordinary political prize, arguing that the office demands sound judgment, responsibility and respect for constitutional institutions.

“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,” he said.

The dispute over the use of Tinubu’s first name has also attracted a response from Atiku’s camp. His aide on public communication, Phrank Shaibu, defended the former vice-president’s choice of words, arguing that “Bola” was the President’s name and that using it did not necessarily amount to disrespect.

The exchange highlights the increasingly sharp rhetoric between the ruling APC and opposition figures as political parties prepare for the next presidential election.

Shettima challenges Atiku over production subsidies

Beyond the disagreement over presidential protocol, Shettima questioned Atiku’s proposal for production subsidies, demanding explanations about how the policy would be financed and which competing government priorities might lose funding.

Atiku has advocated economic measures aimed at stimulating domestic production and easing pressure on consumers. His production subsidy proposal has become a point of contention between the opposition and the Tinubu administration.

Shettima argued that policy announcements must be accompanied by clear explanations of their costs, funding arrangements and expected benefits.

“This political season has become a masterclass in cinematic comedy,” he said.

The Vice-President continued: “Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal for production subsidies raises questions that some changes cannot answer. Who pays? Who benefits? And which competing priorities must surrender their funding?”

“A change in ideological wardrobe cannot balance a national budget,” he added.

The APC Presidential Campaign Council has also challenged Atiku to explain the proposed subsidy’s funding source, spending limits, intended beneficiaries and safeguards against diversion or fraud. The council has questioned how the proposal would operate within Nigeria’s existing petroleum regulatory framework.

The disagreement raises important questions about the feasibility of fuel price relief, the cost of supporting domestic production and the government’s ability to balance economic assistance with other public spending needs.

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For the proposal to be properly assessed, details of its funding model, eligibility rules, implementation arrangements and expected impact on consumers and producers would need to be examined.

Vice-President questions opposition unity

Shettima also challenged opposition politicians over their ability to manage Nigeria’s competing interests, arguing that political leaders seeking to replace the APC government must demonstrate that they can work together.

“Meanwhile, those offering to rescue Nigeria cannot keep their own political households intact,” he said.

He questioned how opposition leaders could reconcile the interests of more than 200 million Nigerians if they struggled to resolve disagreements within their own political organisations.

“So I ask, if reconciling a few party leaders defeats you, how will you reconcile the interests of over 200 million citizens?” he asked.

The comments come amid political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition figures seeking to build alliances capable of challenging the ruling party.

Shettima also criticised former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), over his economic proposals and claims concerning the 2023 presidential election.

He questioned whether policies adopted in other countries could be transferred directly to Nigeria without accounting for differences in population, institutions and economic conditions.

The Vice-President argued that claims about elections and economic performance should be supported by evidence, while defending the APC’s record in office.

Shettima defends Tinubu’s economic reforms

The Vice-President also defended the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system.

He maintained that the government had inherited serious fiscal and economic challenges and that its reforms were intended to address longstanding structural problems.

According to the administration’s position, the changes are designed to reduce distortions in public finances, improve economic stability and create conditions for sustainable growth.

However, the reforms have placed significant pressure on households and businesses, with the cost of living, transport expenses and food prices remaining important concerns for many Nigerians.

These pressures are likely to feature prominently in the 2027 election campaign, as opposition parties scrutinise the government’s performance and propose alternative economic policies.

For the APC, the challenge will be to demonstrate that its reforms are delivering tangible improvements in employment, purchasing power, investment and public services.

For the opposition, presenting credible and adequately funded alternatives will be central to persuading voters that a change in leadership would produce better economic outcomes.

Shettima’s remarks reflect the intensifying political exchanges ahead of the election, with the ruling party defending its record and opposition leaders challenging its policies and leadership.

Ultimately, the debate over Tinubu’s second-term bid, Atiku’s production subsidy proposal and the opposition’s ability to work together will place economic performance, leadership and policy credibility at the centre of the 2027 presidential contest.

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