Vice-President Kashim Shettima has taken a swipe at former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, accusing the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) of relying on statistics without presenting solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.

Shettima made the remarks on Monday at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, where he urged members of Nigeria’s economic community to support the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The vice-president acknowledged Obi’s position against restoring the petrol subsidy but questioned his capacity to offer alternative solutions to the country’s economic problems.

“I respect Peter Obi for having the courage to say he’s not going to restore the petrol subsidy, but beyond spouting some statistics, Mr Peter Obi has absolutely nothing to offer,” Shettima said.

He added that Obi had relied heavily on figures in making his arguments, urging economic stakeholders to support the federal government’s reform agenda.

“He was surviving on various statistics. So, I call on you, the crème de la crème of the Nigerian economic community, to support us,” he said.

Defending the removal of petrol subsidy, Shettima argued that the policy had corrected distortions in the country’s fuel pricing system and curbed the diversion of subsidised Nigerian petrol to neighbouring countries.

To buttress his argument, he compared petrol prices in Nigeria with those in neighbouring African countries, citing figures which he said demonstrated the consequences of the previous subsidy regime.

According to the vice-president, Nigeria consumed approximately 67 million litres of petrol daily a few years ago, while fuel prices in neighbouring countries were significantly higher.

He said a litre of petrol sold for about N1,148.36 in Niger Republic, N1,729.29 in Benin Republic and N1,945.50 in Cameroon, compared with N1,390 in Nigeria.

“The comparison is wide. Nigeria was Christmas for other African countries,” he said.

Shettima’s comments come as political parties and potential contenders intensify discussions over economic policy ahead of the 2027 general elections, with fuel subsidy removal and the rising cost of living remaining major points of contention.

The vice-president also criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his reported proposal to restore petrol subsidy if elected president, arguing that such a move would undermine the current administration’s economic reforms.

He maintained that Tinubu’s decision to remove the subsidy was a necessary but difficult step taken in response to the country’s economic realities.

“The president took those painful decisions because he understands the dynamics,” Shettima said.

Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant during the 2027 general elections, warning that voter apathy and failure to monitor electoral activities could create opportunities for manipulation.

Igini called on eligible voters, particularly young Nigerians, to take an active role in protecting the integrity of the electoral process by observing proceedings at polling units and documenting events as they occur.

He stressed that citizens have the legal right to use their mobile phones to record electoral activities, urging voters not to abandon polling units after casting their ballots.

“On election day, do not sleep. You have the legal right to use your telephone to make video recordings. If you sleep, they will rig the election,” he said.

The former electoral commissioner maintained that credible elections require more than simply voting, noting that citizens must remain attentive throughout the process to deter electoral malpractice and promote transparency.

According to him, the presence of voters at polling units is crucial to safeguarding the process, as citizens are expected to outnumber electoral officials at the grassroots.

“The greatest security that our young men and women who will be at the polling unit will get will be from Nigerian people because in every polling unit voters will outnumber poll officials,” Igini said.

He argued that the responsibility for protecting election observers and young Nigerians involved in monitoring the polls should not be left exclusively to security agencies and electoral authorities.

Igini noted that senior INEC officials would not be physically present at every polling unit, making it imperative for voters and community members to remain watchful and report suspicious activities.

“All the key officials of INEC, from the top level down, will not be at the polling units,” he said.

As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, Igini urged Nigerians to intensify grassroots mobilisation and sensitisation, encouraging eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral process.

He called on citizens to engage their communities and emphasise the importance of protecting the credibility of elections, stressing that the nation’s future depends on collective responsibility and a commitment to building a system that guarantees equal opportunities for all.

“So, talk to your wards that it is their own future that we want to build a system where there will be opportunity for all and responsibility for all,” he said.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to enter his defence, if he so desires, in the ongoing trial over the alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications belonging to National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik gave the order on Monday while ruling on a no-case submission filed by El-Rufai.

The judge dismissed the application, holding that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to warrant the former governor being called upon to defend himself against the allegations.

A no-case submission is an application by a defendant asking the court to terminate a trial on the grounds that the prosecution has failed to present sufficient evidence requiring a defence.

With the application dismissed, El-Rufai has been given the opportunity to respond to the allegations against him.

The court subsequently adjourned the case until November 25 for the defence.

El-Rufai, who served as Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023, is standing trial over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted Ribadu’s telephone communications.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar will campaign across all 36 states of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, disclosed this during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, dismissing suggestions that the former vice-president’s campaign would focus predominantly on northern Nigeria.

Shaibu said the campaign timetable would be released soon, assuring Nigerians that no state would be excluded from Atiku’s engagements with voters.

“We are going to release our schedule in a few days. Or in a few hours. And you will see for yourself. You will be able to interrogate for yourself. That look, Atiku Abubakar, no state will be left out,” he said.

He explained that the campaign would go beyond rallies in state capitals to include town hall meetings, community engagements and visits to local government areas and villages.

According to him, the approach is intended to give Atiku opportunities to interact directly with Nigerians, listen to their concerns and address issues affecting their daily lives.

“We are not going to limit our campaign to just state capital or to just rallies. Atiku is already connected with the people. The people are hungry. People are dying. Do you understand? He needs to connect with them. He needs to listen to them,” Shaibu said.

The campaign spokesman identified economic hardship as a major concern affecting Nigerians across the country, arguing that the challenges faced by citizens were not limited to any particular region.

“As for the pathway, I’ll tell you. Our pathway is clear and simple. The man who is hungry in Zamfara is the same as the man who is hungry in Lagos. Forget the noise,” he added.

Shaibu also insisted that Atiku’s political appeal extended beyond northern Nigeria, expressing confidence that the former vice-president could attract support from voters across the country.

“Hungry Nigerians will vote for Atiku Abubakar. Atiku’s pathway is not limited to Northern Nigeria. Atiku’s pathway is across the length and breadth of Nigeria,” he said.

Asked about the southern states where Atiku expected to secure victories, Shaibu expressed strong confidence in the candidate’s nationwide prospects.

“I will not just be bold, I will be audacious about it. Atiku will win the entire country,” he declared.

The ADC campaign council’s position contrasts with President Bola Tinubu’s stated decision to limit his personal participation in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rallies to 12 states, citing the need to balance electioneering with governance.

Speaking during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on October 14, Tinubu said he would not accompany the campaign team to every state because of the demands of running the country.

“You’ve warned me not to allow the rigour of the campaign to distract me from governance, I hear you. I am in full agreement with your decision. Nigeria needs more attention now,” the President said.

Tinubu also pointed to the country’s financial obligations and the need to attract investors as reasons for limiting his participation in campaign activities.

“So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you, we have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait,” he added.

According to a campaign timetable, Tinubu was scheduled to attend rallies in 12 states, beginning in Kaduna on October 24 and ending in Lagos on January 9, 2027.

Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has commenced investigations into seven individuals, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Senate Presidents Bukola Saraki and David Mark, over allegations of undeclared offshore assets and business interests uncovered by the Panama Papers and Pandora Papers investigations.

According to reports, multiple sources within the bureau confirmed that case officers had been assigned to investigate the seven individuals.

The others are former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah, late former Bayelsa State Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former Delta State Governor James Ibori and retired Delta State judicial officer Stella Ogene.

One CCB source told the newsmen that investigations had commenced against the seven individuals, adding that the bureau intended to extend its inquiries to other Nigerians named in the international investigations.

The investigations follow reports alleging that some public officials maintained offshore companies, foreign bank accounts and business interests that were not declared as required under Nigerian law.

The CCB is responsible for enforcing the code of conduct applicable to public officers, including requirements relating to asset declaration and restrictions on certain private business activities.

The bureau had previously informed PREMIUM TIMES that it was reviewing information and documents relating to allegations of undeclared offshore assets and business interests involving public officials named in the Pandora Papers investigation.

In October 2021, the CCB acknowledged the significance of the investigation, which was coordinated by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), and requested the newspaper’s cooperation in facilitating inquiries into the allegations.

After years without a detailed public update, PREMIUM TIMES wrote to the bureau in July 2026 seeking clarification on the status of its investigations.

In September, the CCB said the relevant information and materials were being reviewed in accordance with its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.

The bureau declined to disclose details that could prejudice ongoing or contemplated investigations, citing the confidential nature of its verification processes.

An aide to the CCB chairman subsequently confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that the agency was investigating Nigerian officials named in the international reports.
What the Pandora Papers revealed about Peter Obi

The 2021 Pandora Papers investigation reported that Obi maintained offshore business interests while serving as governor of Anambra State.

According to the report, Obi remained a director of NEXT International (UK) Limited for 14 months after becoming governor, raising questions about compliance with provisions of Nigeria’s Code of Conduct laws.

The investigation also raised concerns about undeclared offshore holdings and the operation of a foreign bank account while he was in office.

Obi reportedly said he was unaware that assets jointly owned with others were required to be declared.

He has also repeatedly denied diverting public funds, although the original PREMIUM TIMES report did not accuse him of diverting government money.

The investigation also examined offshore interests associated with former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that four London properties worth a combined £6.7 million were acquired between October 2012 and August 2013 through a Seychelles-registered company linked to her.

The newspaper further identified three other London properties associated with Oduah, bringing the total to seven.

In the case of Stella Ogene, a retired judicial officer who headed the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal for 21 years, documents reportedly showed that she established an offshore company in Seychelles in 2009 to acquire a London property.

The investigation also found that public records listed her as a director of a private Nigerian company during her tenure as head of the court.

Another individual previously investigated by the newspaper was former House of Representatives member Nicholas Mutu, who was linked to an offshore company that acquired a London property in 2012.

Mutu denied being a director of the company, maintaining that it belonged to and was controlled by his wife. However, documents cited by PREMIUM TIMES identified him as a director, shareholder and beneficial owner.
Saraki, David Mark linked to offshore companies

The Panama Papers investigation, published in 2016, examined the use of offshore companies by politicians, businesspeople and other prominent individuals around the world.

Among the Nigerians named were former Senate President Bukola Saraki and his wife, Toyin Saraki, as well as his predecessor, David Mark.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that at least four assets associated with the Saraki family were held through offshore structures that were not disclosed to the CCB as required by law.

The newspaper also reported that Toyin Saraki held interests in offshore companies, including Sandon Development Limited, registered in Seychelles and used to acquire a property in London’s Belgravia district in 2012.

Other companies examined included Girol Properties Limited and Landfield International Developments Limited, both registered in the British Virgin Islands.

In David Mark’s case, the investigation linked the former Senate president to at least eight active companies registered in the British Virgin Islands while he was in public office.

Documents from the offshore law firm Mossack Fonseca reportedly classified Mark as a politically exposed person.

However, the investigation did not establish the nature of the businesses conducted through the companies.

The newspaper noted that owning an offshore company is not inherently illegal.

The central issue in the cases involving public officials is whether their business interests, assets and foreign accounts complied with Nigeria’s applicable laws and declaration requirements.

The Panama Papers investigation also examined offshore companies linked to the late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who governed Bayelsa State from 1999 until his impeachment in 2005.

One company identified was Solomon & Peters Limited, incorporated in the British Virgin Islands in 1999, shortly after he became governor.

Documents reportedly named Alamieyeseigha as the company’s first director and secretary and linked the offshore network to financial arrangements and property acquisitions abroad.

British authorities returned more than £5 million recovered from funds stolen by the former governor to the Bayelsa State Government in 2012.

The investigation also identified properties associated with him in the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa, as well as foreign bank accounts holding substantial sums.

His asset declarations filed with the CCB in 1999 and 2003 reportedly did not reflect the scale of overseas assets subsequently identified by the investigation.

Under Nigeria’s legal framework, public officers covered by the Code of Conduct provisions are required to declare their assets and those of their spouses and children under 18, while restrictions apply to the management of private businesses and the operation of foreign bank accounts.

The CCB can refer cases to the Code of Conduct Tribunal where investigations establish grounds for prosecution.

However, the commencement of an investigation does not establish that any of the seven individuals has committed an offence.