The Peter Obi Media Office has condemned Vice President Kashim Shettima for describing the former Anambra State governor as “diminished,” accusing him of selective respect for opposition leaders.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the office said Shettima was wrong to demand respect for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar while dismissing Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The statement, signed by the office’s spokesperson, Idris Zekeri Jnr, said Obi had maintained a professional campaign focused on issues rather than personal attacks against political opponents.
“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 also challenged Shettima to compare their records as governors, arguing that Obi’s performance in Anambra State surpassed Shettima’s record in Borno State.
It cited Obi’s fiscal discipline and investments in education and healthcare, alongside awards he received during his tenure, as evidence of his performance.
“If Shettima contests any aspect of Obi’s record, he should present the facts rather than resort to political name-calling,” the statement added.
The office further criticised South-East political leaders who had allegedly disrespected Obi, urging them to learn from what it described as the contradiction in Shettima’s call for respect for Atiku while disparaging another opposition figure.
It also called on Igbo leaders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Nigerians generally not to allow political loyalty to justify disrespect towards fellow citizens.
The statement maintained that political opponents should challenge Obi’s ideas and record rather than resort to personal attacks.
“Nigeria needs a contest based on records and ideas, not selective respect and political denigration,” it said.
The media office added that Nigerians, rather than Shettima’s comments, would determine Obi’s political relevance.
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