The media office of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticised Vice-President Kashim Shettima for describing the former Anambra State governor as “diminished,” urging political leaders to focus on governance records, policies and ideas rather than personal remarks.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the media office questioned what it described as inconsistency in Shettima’s treatment of opposition figures, particularly his call for Northerners to respect former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar while making the remark about Obi.
The office argued that political disagreements should not prevent leaders from showing respect to their opponents, especially as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.
“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.
It maintained that Obi had conducted his political engagements professionally, focusing on policy issues and avoiding abusive language against political opponents.
The media office also challenged Shettima to compare their records as former governors of Anambra and Borno states, respectively, insisting that their performances should be assessed using verifiable evidence.
According to the statement, Obi’s administration recorded achievements in fiscal management, education and healthcare, which it said distinguished his tenure in Anambra.
“However, Obi’s performance in Anambra State across key areas of governance surpassed Shettima’s record in Borno State, as demonstrated by performance statistics and the awards he received,” the office said.
However, the statement did not provide specific statistics comparing the two administrations, leaving its assessment of their relative performance unsubstantiated by the figures presented.
The media office further challenged Obi’s political opponents to scrutinise his record and present evidence if they disagreed with its assessment.
“If Shettima contests any aspect of Obi’s record, he should present the facts rather than resort to political name-calling,” the statement added.
The office also appealed to South-East political leaders, including those in the All Progressives Congress (APC), not to allow party loyalty to override mutual respect among political figures.
It maintained that political debates should centre on candidates’ records, policy proposals and solutions to Nigeria’s challenges rather than personal attacks.
“The Nigerian people, rather than Shettima’s rhetoric, will determine Peter Obi’s political relevance,” the statement said.
The dispute comes as political actors intensify their activities ahead of the 2027 general election, with competing claims about leadership records and the treatment of opposition figures featuring in the emerging political debate.
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