Vice-President Kashim Shettima has questioned the ability of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to unite Nigeria, claiming that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate has struggled to secure the support of influential political figures in his home state of Adamawa.
Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Akure, Ondo State, where he criticised Atiku’s political influence and ability to build consensus.
The Vice-President argued that despite Atiku’s long political career and previous experience as Nigeria’s Vice-President, he had failed to establish a strong political alliance in Adamawa.
He questioned how the former presidential candidate intended to unite the country if he could not secure political cooperation within his home state.
“Our political opponents can conduct political rallies on Facebook and on Instagram, but for somebody who cannot build a consensus at the home front, Atiku Abubakar is from Adamawa State. He has been unable to build a lead consensus, even in his own Adamawa State,” Shettima said.
To support his argument, the Vice-President recalled the political history of Adamawa since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
He listed former governors Boni Haruna, Murtala Nyako, Bala Ngilari, Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla and the incumbent governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, claiming that none of them was politically aligned with Atiku.
Shettima also alleged that the ADC presidential candidate was dealing with divisions within his political camp ahead of the 2027 elections, claiming that three different governorship candidates had emerged in Adamawa.
He described the situation as evidence of Atiku’s alleged inability to bring political forces together.
“And right now, he has three gubernatorial candidates in Adamawa. So someone who cannot unite his own state, I wonder how he is going to unite and drive the nation as a whole,” the Vice-President added.
Shettima subsequently turned his attention to the political atmosphere in Ondo State, praising residents for what he described as their overwhelming support for President Bola Tinubu and the APC.
He expressed confidence in the ruling party’s political strength in the state, describing the turnout at the rally as a demonstration of its acceptance among the people.
“Here in Ondo, Ondo, the game is over. This is a shutdown. Nothing less is expected from Ondo, and we remain eternally grateful to the people of Ondo for the massive turnout and support accorded to Mr. President,” he stated.
