Shettima Mocks Atiku, Says Ex-VP Is No Abraham Lincoln

Vice President Kashim Shettima has taken aim at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, questioning his leadership credentials amid political manoeuvring ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

The remarks come as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties intensify political activities ahead of the next general elections.

Shettima had previously criticised Atiku during the 2023 election campaign, arguing that the former vice president lacked the ability to unite the country, citing concerns about his leadership and party cohesion.

At the time, Shettima compared Atiku to former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who had contested several presidential elections, rather than Abraham Lincoln, the former United States president widely associated with ending slavery and preserving the Union.

Shettima also questioned Atiku’s economic credentials, arguing that experience in business did not automatically translate into expertise in managing a national economy.

The exchange formed part of the political contest between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 election cycle.

As political alignments shift ahead of 2027, Atiku, who is now associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), remains a prominent opposition figure challenging President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The renewed political exchanges reflect the growing contest between the ruling party and opposition figures over leadership, economic policy and the direction of the country.