Vice President Kashim Shettima has ignited fresh political discussion after stating that Nigeria’s presidency cannot be seized through coercion and suggesting that the South-East region has leaders more qualified than Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Addressing the nation’s political landscape, Shettima stressed that leadership should rest on trust and wide acceptance rather than intimidation or pressure.
“In a multi-ethnic, multi-religious politics like ours, nobody can bulldoze his way to power through deceit, threats, or blackmail. You get to power by building bridges and reaching out,” he said.
While supporting the idea of a president from the South-East as a step toward healing historical divisions from the civil war, Shettima criticized what he called confrontational approaches by some political actors from the region.
“I am for the emergence of a Nigerian president of South-Eastern extraction to heal the wounds of the civil war,” he said.
Shettima singled out former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha for his national political experience and reach, and praised former Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi for his infrastructural achievements, presenting both as examples of South-Eastern leaders he considers highly qualified for the presidency.
Drawing on Nigeria’s political history, he highlighted the importance of grassroots mobilization and coalition-building, referencing the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua’s nationwide strategy as a model for electoral success.
His remarks are expected to draw reactions from supporters of Peter Obi, who remains a key opposition figure with strong appeal among young voters and urban populations.
Observers note that Shettima’s comments could also be an early signal ahead of the 2027 elections, as debates over power rotation and regional representation continue to shape Nigeria’s political conversation.
