April 13, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
Nigeria’s political tension escalated on Sunday after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar dismissed comments from Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing him as “someone without manners” and refusing to engage in further political exchanges.
Atiku made the remark during an interview on GTA Hausa, where he was asked to respond to Shettima’s recent criticisms of his performance while in office, particularly regarding development efforts in the North-East.
Shettima, speaking at a campaign rally in Potiskum, Yobe State, had earlier accused Atiku of failing to execute meaningful projects during his eight years as vice president. He claimed Atiku did not empower key individuals in his region or leave behind visible developmental impact.
“You cannot vote for someone that did eight years as Vice President without doing eight projects in his place,” Shettima said, drawing loud reactions from supporters.
The Vice President also referenced several individuals linked to Atiku, questioning the strength of his political and social influence in the region.
In response, Atiku dismissed the remarks outright, saying he would not engage Shettima in public debate.
“I will not respond to Kashim Shettima because he doesn’t have manners,” Atiku said.
He further argued that he would not trade words with someone he considers junior in experience and protocol.
“First, I’m not his mate. Secondly, I have more experience in governance than him, and thirdly, it is not our culture in northern Nigeria to disrespect elders,” he added.
Atiku insisted that tradition and respect for elders should guide political discourse, stating that he would not descend into personal exchanges.
Meanwhile, key APC figures present at the rally, including former Senate President Ahmed Lawan and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, defended Shettima’s remarks and reaffirmed support for the party’s presidential ticket.
Lawan insisted the APC would prove its strength through electoral victory, while Buni pointed to large rally turnouts as evidence of growing public support.
The exchange marks another sharp escalation in political rhetoric ahead of Nigeria’s next election cycle, with major figures trading increasingly personal accusations on the campaign trail.
