Vice President Kashim Shettima has criticised Nigeria’s opposition parties, accusing them of spreading falsehoods and engaging in political hypocrisy.
He said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is currently in a stronger political position than it was during the 2023 general elections.
Shettima made the remarks while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at an interfaith Iftar held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The event brought together political figures, religious leaders and government officials to observe both Ramadan and Lent.
During his address, the Vice President took aim at the African Democratic Congress (ADC), particularly over its earlier advocacy for the electronic transmission of election results.
According to him, the party’s credibility came into question after it launched an online portal for membership registration.
He alleged that the platform was compromised by questionable entries.
“The same people who were adamant that we must have electronic transmission of votes opened their portal for membership registration, and it was flooded with fake names and fictitious identities,” the Vice President said.
Shettima extended his criticism to opposition politics in general, claiming that misinformation had become a major tool used by rival political groups to challenge the government.
Quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, he remarked: “You and I know that, as Winston Churchill once said, ‘truth is so precious that it must be surrounded by a bodyguard of lies.’ Lies, lies, lies that is what is driving the opposition in this country,” he stated.
He urged members and supporters of the ruling party to remain loyal and actively defend the administration as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the next electoral cycle.
“Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the political season is around the corner. We are all political actors. We have to sell our government. We have to stand behind our administration,” he said.
Shettima further insisted that the APC now enjoys greater political stability compared to the period leading to the 2023 elections.
“Politically speaking, we are in a more comfortable position now than in 2023,” he said.
The Vice President also addressed the recent wave of political defections into the ruling party. He denied claims that governors were being pressured to join the APC.
“Nobody is coercing the governors of Rivers, Delta, Kano or any other state to join the APC. It is at their own volition because they have seen the light,” he added.