Vice-President Kashim Shettima has questioned the ability of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to manage Nigeria’s economy, arguing that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate lacks the expertise required to lead a modern economy.
Shettima also faulted Atiku’s proposal to restore petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027, describing the position as an attempt to reverse economic reforms for political gain.
The vice-president made the remarks on Monday, October 26, at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, where he defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove petrol subsidy.
“One of the leading presidential candidates (Atiku) is advocating a return to the subsidy scheme. He wants us to backslide into primitivity for political convenience,” Shettima said.
He went on to question Atiku’s professional background and its relevance to managing the country’s economy.
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“I dare to put forward that his skill set… he was trained in sanitation at the Kano School of Hygiene. So he doesn’t have the skill set to govern a modern economy. That’s a painful truth.
“So it’s for you, as Nigerians, to make informed decisions. Even that certificate in sanitation, I know he will find it difficult to distinguish the difference between flu and COVID, that are airborne diseases, and Ebola that is human contact ailment. Nigerians would have to decide.” Shettima said.
Shettima defended the removal of petrol subsidy, saying Tinubu took the politically difficult step because he understood the economic realities confronting the country.
“The president took those painful decisions because he understands the dynamics,” he said.
The vice-president’s comments come as political parties and their presidential hopefuls begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general election, with economic policy expected to remain a major issue in the contest.