Vice President Kashim Shettima has criticised former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, declaring that importing cheap South African wines does not make anyone an economics expert.
Shettima made the remark on Wednesday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Ondo State, where he questioned Obi’s economic credentials and his performance during his eight years as governor of Anambra State.
“The ability to import cheap South African wines doesn’t make one a guru in economics,” the Vice President said.
He accused Obi of presenting himself as an economic expert during his nationwide engagements, arguing that his record in public office did not justify such claims.
Shettima also described Obi’s eight-year administration in Anambra as mediocre.
“Peter Obi’s performance as governor of Anambra State was at best mediocre,” he added.
The Vice President further took aim at Obi’s decision to settle in Lagos after leaving office in Anambra, suggesting that his choice to live in the state reflected his enjoyment of the leadership and development provided under President Bola Tinubu.
Shettima credited Tinubu with transforming Lagos into Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic capital through infrastructure development, improved revenue generation and investment.
He urged Nigerians to evaluate political candidates based on their records in public office rather than their speeches and public appearances.
The comments have added another dimension to the political exchanges between the APC leadership and Peter Obi, whose economic proposals and record in Anambra remain subjects of debate.
Do you agree with Shettima that Obi’s economic credentials should be judged by his record as Anambra governor, or should his economic ideas be assessed independently of his performance in office?