I Respect Peter Obi, But He Has Nothing to Offer Beyond Dubious Statistics’ – Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has criticised former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi over his use of economic statistics, saying he respects the opposition politician but believes his arguments offer little beyond what he described as dubious figures.

Shettima made the remarks at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, where he discussed petrol prices in Nigeria and neighbouring countries, including Niger, Benin Republic and Cameroon.

“I respect Peter Obi… But beyond spouting some dubious statistics, Mr Obi has nothing to offer,” the Vice-President said.

During his address, Shettima compared petrol prices across the countries, arguing that Nigeria’s pump prices were not significantly different from those in neighbouring states.

His comments appeared to challenge criticisms of the Federal Government’s economic policies and the impact of petrol prices on Nigerians.

However, comparisons of fuel prices across countries depend on several factors, including exchange rates, taxes, transportation costs, government subsidies and local purchasing power. Similar pump prices do not necessarily mean consumers face the same economic burden.

Shettima’s remarks have added to the ongoing political debate over the government’s economic reforms and the alternative policies being proposed by opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general election.