Vice-President Kashim Shettima has dismissed Peter Obi’s economic credentials, arguing that importing inexpensive South African wines does not establish expertise in managing a national economy.
Shettima spoke on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Akure, Ondo State, where he criticised Obi’s record as Anambra governor and his presidential ambition.
Describing Obi’s eight-year administration, from 2006 to 2014, as mediocre, Shettima also questioned his political support in Anambra, citing former governors Chris Ngige and Willie Obiano, as well as incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo, whom he said were not backing his ambition.
He argued that presidential contenders needed strong grassroots support and influential political alliances rather than publicity-driven engagements.
Shettima also criticised Obi’s attempt to welcome Nigeria’s victorious Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, at Abuja airport on November 9, following their return from Morocco.
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The incident generated controversy after Obi alleged that he was prevented from greeting the players. National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko said the proposed interaction had not been arranged beforehand and officials were concerned about the players’ need for rest.
The remarks came amid a dispute over Anambra’s finances during Obi’s administration. In September 2026, the state government disclosed eight external financing facilities valued at $123.7 million, with an outstanding balance of $92.35 million as of June 30, 2026.
Obi disputed the government’s position, maintaining that his administration neither obtained commercial loans nor issued bonds. He also claimed to have left more than $150 million in savings and investments.
At the rally, Shettima challenged opposition presidential candidates to identify their major achievements during Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
He expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s re-election prospects in Ondo, naming former governor Olusegun Mimiko among the political figures he said were supporting the President’s second-term bid.