Shettima made the remark on Wednesday during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, drawing a response from Kwankwaso, who defended Obi’s use of statistics in discussing Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, the former Kano State governor described Obi as a politician who understands data and generally presents accurate figures.
Kwankwaso said he routinely cross-checks statistics cited by Obi and had found most of them to be correct. However, he acknowledged that occasional errors or slips of the tongue could occur.
“I always listen to him (Peter Obi), like all others, I take time to check the statistics. As far as I am concerned, most of the figures he was saying were correct and the only thing, of course as human beings you are bound to make mistakes or a slip of tongue as they call it,” Kwankwaso said.
He disagreed with Shettima’s assessment, maintaining that Obi’s familiarity with statistics was an asset to the opposition party.
“But for him (Shettima) to come and make that statement, I don’t think he is correct. So, I am happy that our presidential candidate is somebody who is conversant with statistics, not only in this country but all over the world, in Europe, Asia, everywhere and I think that is a good one,” he added.
The exchange comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general election, with economic management, public finances and the credibility of candidates’ policy proposals likely to feature prominently in campaign debates.
Kwankwaso Seeks INEC Correction Over Kano Candidate
In a related development, Kwankwaso expressed hope that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would correct the omission of the NDC’s Kano State governorship candidate, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, from its recently released list of candidates for the 2027 elections.
He said the party had written to the electoral commission following its request but had yet to receive a response.
Kwankwaso urged the party’s supporters, particularly those in Kano State, to remain hopeful that the issue would be resolved.
“I just want to tell our supporters especially in Kano that our gubernatorial candidate His Excellency Aminu Abdusalam unfortunately recently, the INEC was not able put his name on the register. Of course, the party and our representatives went to them, there was no answer yet. They asked our party to write to them which we did and I hope INEC will correct that,” he said.
The NDC is seeking INEC’s intervention to ensure that Gwarzo’s name is included on the official list. The commission’s response to the party’s complaint was not provided in the remarks reported.
