‘Bogus statistics’ – Most of Obi’s figures were correct, Kwankwaso replies Shettima
By Ayobami Okerinde
Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has come to the defense of party presidential candidate Peter Obi following remarks made by Vice-President Kashim Shettima. Shettima described Obi as “the master of bogus statistics and incoherent economic prescriptions” during his speech at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council held Wednesday at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
In his address, Shettima, who referred to Obi as “my very good friend,” mocked the comparisons Obi made between Nigeria and other nations, particularly Bangladesh. He stated, “He seems convinced that a size 36 shirt tailored for Bangladesh will somehow fit Nigeria’s size 52 frame.”
Responding to Shettima’s comments in an interview with Channels Television on Thursday, Kwankwaso expressed that he was not surprised by the vice-president’s criticism. “What else would you expect him to say?” Kwankwaso asked rhetorically. He emphasized the importance of thoroughly reviewing statistics and stated that he believes many of the figures presented by Obi were accurate.
Kwankwaso added, “As human beings, we are bound to make mistakes or have slips of the tongue. But for him to come and make that statement, I don’t think he was correct.” He further lauded Obi’s understanding of development statistics, calling it a valuable asset for a candidate seeking the presidency.
“I’m happy that our presidential candidate is someone who is conversant with the statistics not only in this country but across the globe,” he said.
Discussing the rationale behind his collaboration with Obi within the NDC, Kwankwaso noted that they share similar visions for Nigeria, which has facilitated their partnership. “We realized that our vision for the country was similar, and it was easy for us to say, ‘Okay, let’s work together as leaders from the South and the North to ensure the success of the party and, by extension, the country,’” he explained.
