By Our Reporter
The Peter Obi Media Office has condemned Vice President Kashim Shettima over his description of the New Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as “diminished,” describing the remark as an affront to political decency.
The media office accused Shettima of applying double standards by demanding respect for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar while allegedly disparaging Obi, another opposition leader.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 18, 2026, and signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the office said Shettima was entitled to oppose Obi politically but should not resort to personal attacks.
It argued that the Vice President’s call for Northerners to respect Atiku, while dismissing Obi, raised questions about his attitude towards opposition figures.
“Although Shettima has the right to oppose Obi, it is difficult to understand why he would demand respect for one opposition leader while casually dismissing another,” the statement said.
The media office maintained that Obi had conducted his political campaigns with decorum, focusing on issues rather than abusive language or personal attacks against political opponents.
It also recalled that Shettima and Obi served as governors during the same period, arguing that Obi’s record in Anambra State compared favourably with Shettima’s performance in Borno State.
According to the statement, Obi earned recognition during his tenure as Anambra governor for fiscal discipline and investments in education and healthcare.
The office challenged Shettima to present facts if he disagreed with Obi’s record, rather than resorting to what it described as political name-calling.
“If Shettima contests any aspect of Obi’s record, he should present the facts rather than resort to political name-calling,” it said.
The media office also criticised some South-East political leaders for allegedly showing disrespect towards Obi, urging them to learn from the Vice President’s comments and reconsider their approach to political disagreements.
It specifically called on Igbo leaders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other Nigerians to recognise that political loyalty should not justify disrespect towards fellow citizens.
The statement urged political opponents to scrutinise Obi’s policies, ideas and record in office instead of engaging in personal attacks.
“Nigeria needs a contest based on records and ideas, not selective respect and political denigration,” it said.
The media office further maintained that Obi’s political relevance would ultimately be determined by Nigerians rather than statements made by political opponents.
“The Nigerian people, rather than Shettima’s rhetoric, will determine Peter Obi’s political relevance,” the statement added.