Beyond Spouting Statistics, Peter Obi Has Nothing To Offer — Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has criticised former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, saying he has little to offer Nigerians beyond citing economic statistics, as political debate over the Federal Government’s economic reforms intensifies ahead of the 2027 general election.

Shettima made the remarks on Monday, October 26, at the opening of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, where he urged members of the country’s economic community to support President Bola Tinubu’s policies.

“I respect Peter Obi for having the courage to say he’s not going to restore the petrol subsidy, but beyond spouting some statistics, Mr Peter Obi has absolutely nothing to offer,” the Vice-President said.

He argued that the government’s decision to remove petrol subsidy was necessary to address longstanding economic challenges and reduce the financial burden on public resources.

Shettima also defended the policy by comparing petrol prices in Nigeria with those in neighbouring countries. He said Nigeria had previously consumed approximately 67 million litres of petrol daily, arguing that the former pricing arrangement allowed other countries to benefit from Nigeria’s subsidised fuel.

According to the Vice-President, petrol sold for approximately ₦1,148.36 per litre in Niger Republic, ₦1,729.29 in Benin Republic and ₦1,945.50 in Cameroon, compared with about ₦1,390 in Nigeria at the time of his remarks.

“The comparison is wide. Nigeria was Christmas for other African countries,” he said.

The comments represent another public exchange between the Vice-President and Obi, who has repeatedly criticised aspects of the Tinubu administration’s economic management.

Obi has advocated greater transparency in public spending, fiscal discipline and accountability. He has also criticised the manner in which subsidy removal was implemented, arguing that economic reforms should be accompanied by measures to reduce the burden on households and businesses.

The Federal Government, however, maintains that removing petrol subsidy was necessary to ease pressure on public finances and redirect resources towards development priorities.

The policy, announced by Tinubu after assuming office in May 2023, was followed by sharp increases in petrol prices and transportation costs, contributing to rising living expenses for many Nigerians.

Shettima urged business leaders and economic stakeholders to support the administration’s reform programme, arguing that difficult decisions were necessary to establish a more sustainable economic direction.

The exchange comes as political parties and potential contenders prepare for the 2027 elections, with economic performance, the cost of living, employment and the impact of government policies expected to remain central issues in the political debate.