You’re not Abraham Lincoln — Shettima berates Atiku for ‘disrespecting’ Tinubu
By Adegboyega Adeleye
ABUJA — Vice President Kashim Shettima has taken former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to task over what he termed disrespectful comments aimed at President Bola Tinubu. Shettima emphasized that any individual aspiring for the presidency must demonstrate discipline and respect for public institutions.
Shettima made these remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the upcoming 2027 elections.
He expressed that Atiku’s persistent attempts to secure the presidency, along with his recent policy proposals, do not justify the language Shettima deemed offensive towards the current president. Additionally, he questioned the funding sources for Atiku’s proposed production subsidies.
“Those who seek fairness must come with clean hands,” Shettima stated. “You may refer to him as Bola or Adekunle, but he is nonetheless the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Addressing the audience, Shettima noted, “I will continue to refer to Atiku Abubakar with respect, as his former Vice President. However, I will not mimic Babachir Lawal’s choice of language. Atiku Abubakar, who is pursuing the presidency for the eighth time, is not akin to Abraham Lincoln; he resembles more of Oginga Odinga.”
Shettima framed his critique within the context of the responsibilities expected of those seeking the nation’s highest office, articulating that presidential candidates bear increased accountability in their rhetoric and interactions.
“The presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not merely a political prize. It represents the highest expression of constitutional authority in our country. Individuals who aspire to this position must exhibit, even before assuming office, the qualities they hope to embody if entrusted with leadership of over 200 million Nigerians,” Shettima remarked.
He further contended that political ambition transcends the mere wish to occupy public office; it serves as a litmus test of character, intellectual capacity, and accountability. “The higher the office one seeks, the greater the expectation for discipline in language, conduct, and relations with public institutions,” he added.
Turning to Atiku’s proposal concerning production subsidies, Shettima raised pertinent questions about the initiative’s financial viability and its impact on other funding priorities.
“This political season has become a showcase of absurdity. Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal for production subsidies invites scrutiny that cannot be addressed. Who will bear the costs? Who stands to benefit? And which competing priorities must be sacrificed for funding? A mere ideological shift cannot reconcile a national budget,” Shettima stated.
The inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, formally marked the preparation of the ruling party as it gears up for the 2027 general elections.
