Vice President Kashim Shettima has criticised Nigeria’s opposition parties, accusing them of spreading misinformation and engaging in political hypocrisy.
He stated that the ruling All Progressives Congress is now in a stronger political position than it was during the 2023 general elections.
Shettima made the comments while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at an interfaith Iftar held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The gathering brought together political leaders, religious figures, and government officials to observe both Ramadan and Lent.
During his speech, the Vice President singled out the African Democratic Congress, particularly criticizing its previous push for electronic transmission of election results.
According to Shettima, the party’s integrity was undermined after launching an online membership registration portal, which he claimed was “flooded with fake names and fictitious identities.”
“The same people who were adamant that we must have electronic transmission of votes opened their portal for membership registration, and it was flooded with fake names and fictitious identities,” he said.
He also broadened his critique to opposition politics in general, arguing that spreading false information has become a key strategy for rival parties to challenge the government. Quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Shettima remarked: “You and I know that, as Winston Churchill once said, ‘truth is so precious that it must be surrounded by a bodyguard of lies.’ Lies, lies, lies that is what is driving the opposition in this country.”
The Vice President called on APC members and supporters to remain steadfast and actively support the administration as political activities intensify ahead of the next electoral cycle.
“Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the political season is around the corner. We are all political actors. We have to sell our government. We have to stand behind our administration,” he said.
Shettima added that the APC currently enjoys greater political stability compared to the period leading to the 2023 elections.
“Politically speaking, we are in a more comfortable position now than in 2023,” he said.
He also addressed recent defections into the ruling party, denying claims that governors were being pressured to join the APC.
“Nobody is coercing the governors of Rivers, Delta, Kano or any other state to join the APC. It is at their own volition because they have seen the light,” he said.
