According to a report by Premium Times on April 13, 2026, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to remarks attributed to Vice President Kashim Shettima, declining to engage in a public challenge regarding his performance while in office.
The controversy followed comments reportedly made by Shettima, who was said to have asked Atiku to list eight developmental projects he executed in Northern Nigeria during his tenure as vice president. He was also reported to have requested that Atiku name eight individuals he empowered within the same period. These remarks drew widespread attention and sparked debate on political accountability and the expectations placed on former public officeholders.
In his reaction, Atiku rejected the challenge, not on the basis of its content but on the manner in which it was presented. He stated that the tone and format of the request did not meet the standards of respectful political engagement, particularly among senior figures in public life.
According to him, participating in such an exchange would not reflect the level of decorum expected of someone with his experience and background. He emphasized that the issue was less about the substance of the claims and more about the approach used in raising them.
Atiku also referenced cultural values in Northern Nigeria, highlighting the importance of respect for elders and seniority in both social and political interactions. He explained that, within this context, it is considered inappropriate for younger or less senior individuals to publicly challenge those with greater experience.
“It is not part of our tradition in the North to disrespect elders. You cannot look at someone who is senior to you in both age and accomplishments and start taunting him. That is not our tradition, so I won’t engage with him,” he said.
The former vice president made these remarks during an interview on the GTA Hausa podcast hosted by Yusuf Harande, where he addressed the ongoing public discussion surrounding his record in office and the broader exchange between both political figures.
He further pointed to his extensive career in the civil service as part of his administrative experience, arguing that his background places certain expectations on how he engages in public discourse. According to him, engaging in such back-and-forth exchanges does not align with his position or level of experience in national leadership……See More
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