Vice President Kashim Shettima playfully warned Atiku Abubakar of more verbal sparring ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking at Kayode Fayemi’s birthday event, Shettima joked about his past criticisms while urging African leaders to embrace homegrown solutions instead of foreign blueprints for development.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has lightheartedly warned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to brace for more verbal jabs as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a symposium in Abuja during the 60th birthday celebration of former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Shettima made the remarks while acknowledging Atiku’s presence among other dignitaries.
Referring to himself as an “adjunct provocateur,” Shettima recalled his sharp criticisms of Atiku during the 2023 elections but praised the former vice president for handling them with maturity. He also revealed that despite their political rivalry, he privately addresses Atiku as “Baba,” a Hausa term for father.
The statement, delivered with humor, drew laughter from the audience, with Atiku himself seen smiling at Shettima’s remarks.
Beyond the political banter, Shettima used the opportunity to urge African leaders to focus on homegrown development strategies rather than relying on foreign frameworks. He lamented the continent’s dependence on external models, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency in governance and policy-making.
According to Shettima, Africa cannot afford to lag behind in technological and economic advancements while other parts of the world progress rapidly. He stressed the importance of unity among leaders, regardless of political affiliations, in tackling the continent’s challenges.
Shettima’s remarks reflect both his characteristic wit and his vision for a self-reliant Africa, setting the stage for more political discourse as the 2027 elections draw closer.
