7th February, 2025
Michael Adeshina
Vice President Kashim Shettima has playfully warned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to expect more verbal sparring from him as the 2027 general elections approach.
Shettima made this remark at a symposium in Abuja, where he was honoring dignitaries, including Atiku, at the 60th birthday celebration of Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti State.
Shettima jokingly referred to himself as an “adjunct provocateur” who took “hot shots” at Atiku during the 2023 presidential election.
However, he acknowledged that Atiku, as an elder statesman, had taken the criticisms in stride. Interestingly, Shettima revealed that he affectionately addresses Atiku as “Baba” (meaning “father” in Hausa) in private conversations. Despite this warm gesture, Shettima teased that Atiku should prepare for more verbal jabs from him in the future.
The audience found this exchange amusing, with Atiku himself cracking a smile.
Meanwhile, Shettima during his speech urged all leaders to unite, irrespective of their political divides.
He added that African leaders must also embrace homegrown development models rather than depending on foreign plans.
“The tragedy of our time is that African leaders do not only confine themselves to foreign blueprints but have also refused to emancipate themselves from client-state mentalities and governance by hashtag activism.
“Whatever our differences across the continent, one fact that can’t be eroded by our infighting is that we are in the age of machines.
“And we can’t fight our development dilemma with spears and arrows, while the rest of the world is fighting the same battle with missiles and tanks. The world is not waiting for Africa to catch up,” Shettima stated.
