Vice President Kashim Shettima has criticised opposition parties in Nigeria, accusing them of operating on “lies and hypocrisy” while insisting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is in a stronger political position than it was during the 2023 general elections.
Shettima made the remarks while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at an interfaith breaking of fast for both Ramadan and Lent held at the State House.
During his address, the vice president took a swipe at the African Democratic Congress (ADC), particularly over its advocacy for electronic transmission of votes during elections.
According to him, when the party opened its membership registration portal, it was flooded with fake entries.
“The same people who were adamant that we must have electronic transmission of votes opened their portal for membership registration, and it was overwhelmed by an avalanche of fake names and fictitious identities,” Shettima said.
He further accused opposition groups of relying heavily on misinformation to push their political agenda.
“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,” he stated.
Addressing political and religious leaders at the event, Shettima urged members and supporters of the APC to remain united as the political season approaches.
“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.
The vice president also maintained that the ruling party currently enjoys a stronger political footing than it did during the last general elections.
“Politically speaking, we are in a more comfortable position now than in 2023,” he said.
Speaking on the recent wave of defections to the APC, Shettima dismissed claims of political pressure, insisting that governors joining the party were doing so willingly.
“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 added.