2027: Shettima Tells Atiku He Is ‘No Abraham Lincoln’, Defends Tinubu’s Presidency

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has taken a swipe at former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of showing disrespect towards President Bola Tinubu and arguing that presidential aspirants must uphold standards of conduct befitting the office they seek.

Shettima spoke on Wednesday during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, where he also challenged the funding arrangements behind Atiku’s proposed production-based subsidies.

The Vice-President said Atiku’s repeated presidential contests did not exempt him from the responsibility to respect the office of the President. He emphasised that Tinubu’s position as the nation’s leader demanded recognition regardless of political disagreements.

“Those who want equity must come with clean hands. You can call him Bola. If you like, you can call him Adekunle. But the truth is that he is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Shettima said.

He added that he would maintain a respectful approach towards Atiku, despite their political differences, and would not adopt what he described as the practice of using alternative names for political opponents.

“Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Atiku Abubakar. I will still respect him and call him his former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

“I will not follow suit with the maverick Babachir Lawal and call him Kachalla, no. But believe me, Atiku Abubakar, who has contested for the presidency of this country for the eighth time, is no Abraham Lincoln. He is more of Oginga Odinga,” the Vice-President said.

Shettima argued that the presidency represents the highest level of constitutional authority in Nigeria and should not be regarded merely as a political ambition or prize.

According to him, anyone seeking the position must demonstrate the character, intellectual maturity and discipline necessary to govern more than 200 million Nigerians.

“The presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not an ordinary political prize. It is the highest expression of constitutional authority in our country. And those who aspire to occupy it must demonstrate, even before they get there, the qualities they will expect of themselves, if entrusted with the responsibility of leading more than 200 million Nigerians,” he said.

He further maintained that the conduct of presidential candidates should reflect the responsibilities associated with the office, particularly in their statements and dealings with public institutions.

“Political ambition is not merely the desire to occupy public office. It is a test of character, cerebral strength, intellectual maturity, and responsibility. The higher the office a person seeks, the greater the discipline expected in his words, conduct, and relationship with public institutions,” Shettima added.

VP raises questions over proposed production subsidies

Beyond his criticism of Atiku’s remarks about Tinubu, Shettima questioned the former Vice-President’s proposal to introduce production-based subsidies, asking how the policy would be funded and which competing priorities could be affected.

He described the political season as “a masterclass in cinematic comedy,” suggesting that changes in political ideology could not substitute for a clear financial plan.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this political season has become a masterclass in cinematic comedy. Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal for production subsidies raises questions that some changes cannot answer. Who pays? Who benefits? And which competing priorities must surrender their funding? A change in ideological wardrobe cannot balance a national budget,” he said.

Shettima delivered the remarks at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the APC formally inaugurated its Presidential Campaign Council as part of preparations for the 2027 general election.

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