Vice President [Kashim Shettima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashim_Shettima) criticised Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate [Peter Obi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Obi) during a gathering in Abuja on Monday, October 26, asserting that Obi’s campaign provides only statistical data and lacks actionable policies, while noting his respect for Obi’s decision to forgo the petrol subsidy.
**What was the core accusation?**
Shettima claimed that the Tinubu administration is undertaking “tough but necessary” measures to revive the economy, whereas Obi merely recites numbers without presenting a viable plan. He said, “I respect Peter Obi for having the courage to say he’s not going to restore the petrol subsidy, but beyond spouting some statistics, Mr Peter Obi has absolutely nothing to offer.”
**Key points from the speech**
- The remarks were made in Abuja on 26 October 2026.
- Shettima highlighted the government’s focus on economic recovery through difficult reforms.
- He praised Obi’s willingness to abandon the [petrol subsidy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subsidy_in_Nigeria), a policy long criticized for fiscal strain.
- The Vice President accused Obi of lacking a concrete roadmap to address Nigeria’s challenges.
**Why does the subsidy issue matter?**
The petrol subsidy has been a contentious fiscal tool, consuming a large share of the national budget and often cited as a barrier to economic stability. By refusing to reinstate it, Obi aligns with the current administration’s reform agenda, a stance Shettima described as courageous.
**Background on the political context**
The NDC, a relatively new party, positioned Obi as its presidential hopeful for the upcoming election. The ruling All Progressives Congress, led by President Bola Tinubu, has faced criticism over rising inflation and unemployment, prompting the government to implement austerity measures, including the gradual removal of fuel subsidies.
**What does this mean for the election race?**
Shettima’s comments aim to undermine Obi’s credibility by portraying him as a statistic‑driven technocrat lacking practical solutions. The Vice President’s endorsement of the current administration’s policies suggests a continued push to frame the incumbent government as the only viable option for economic recovery.
The exchange underscores the intensifying political contest ahead of the presidential election, with both sides leveraging policy positions to sway undecided voters.