Obi’s Media Office Rejects Shettima’s ‘Diminished’ Remark, Demands Debate on Records

The Peter Obi Media Office has rejected Vice President Kashim Shettima’s description of the former Anambra State governor as “diminished,” calling for political debate centred on governance records and national priorities.

In a statement issued on Sunday, October 18, the office urged Shettima and other political leaders to engage opponents respectfully and allow Nigerians to assess candidates through their performance, ideas and proposals.

Obi is contesting the presidency on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Office Calls for Objective Assessment of Obi’s Record

The media office maintained that Obi’s tenure as Anambra governor should be examined through verifiable facts, particularly his record in education, healthcare and fiscal management.

It argued that differences in political affiliation should not prevent fair consideration of an opposition figure’s contributions to public life.

The office also called for consistency in the treatment of political opponents, saying mutual respect should guide exchanges among public officials and candidates.

The response comes as parties prepare for the presidential election, following developments including the Court of Appeal proceedings concerning the NDC’s participation in the 2027 polls.

Governance and Policy Should Lead Campaign Debate

Obi’s media team urged political leaders to prioritise constructive discussions about public policy, governance and national development rather than descriptions that could dismiss an opponent’s standing.

It extended the appeal to leaders across the country, including those in the South-East, encouraging political tolerance and respect for democratic engagement.

Policy choices are already featuring in the presidential contest, including Atiku Abubakar’s proposals on fuel subsidy and domestic refining and his position on reopening Nigeria’s borders for transborder trade.

Alongside those policy discussions, political groups have continued organising support through activities such as grassroots mobilisation for President Bola Tinubu in Northern Nigeria and the ADC’s presidential campaign council arrangements.

The Obi Media Office maintained that the electorate should ultimately determine the standing of candidates, based on their records and the alternatives they offer Nigerians.