Shettima Takes Fresh Swipe at Peter Obi Over Fuel Subsidy

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has criticised Peter Obi, saying the former Anambra State governor has little to offer Nigerians beyond quoting statistics, despite commending his position on petrol subsidy removal.

Shettima made the remarks on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, where he defended the Federal Government’s economic reforms and urged members of Nigeria’s economic community to support the administration’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,” Shettima said.

The Vice-President also compared petrol prices in Nigeria with those in neighbouring African countries, arguing that the figures demonstrated the implications of the country’s previous fuel pricing arrangements.

His comments come amid growing political debate over the removal of petrol subsidy and its impact on the cost of living, transportation and other essential goods and services.

President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, a decision that contributed to a sharp increase in fuel prices and living costs across the country.

While the Federal Government has defended the policy as necessary to reduce pressure on public finances, opposition figures have questioned how the savings from subsidy removal have been managed and whether Nigerians have received sufficient relief.

Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticised the government’s handling of the subsidy savings and called for greater transparency and accountability in public spending.

Shettima’s latest remarks add to the ongoing political exchanges between the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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