As the 2027 general elections approach, Vice President Kashim Shettima has warned Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to expect more verbal jabs.

Shettima made this comment during a symposium in Abuja, where he was attending the 60th birthday celebration of former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi.

In a playful tone, Shettima referred to himself as an “adjunct provocateur” who aimed “hot shots” at Atiku during the 2023 presidential election. Despite their political rivalry, Shettima acknowledged that Atiku handled the criticisms with grace.

He also revealed that, in their private conversations, he affectionately calls Atiku “Baba,” which means “father” in Hausa.

While the two leaders share a friendly bond, Shettima teased that Atiku should prepare for more verbal exchanges as the 2027 elections get closer.

The crowd at the event found this lighthearted moment amusing, and Atiku himself smiled at Shettima’s remarks.

In his address, Shettima also called for unity among all Nigerian leaders, urging them to work together regardless of their political parties. He emphasized the importance of African leaders focusing on homegrown development strategies instead of depending on foreign initiatives.

“The tragedy of our time is that African leaders do not only confine themselves to foreign blueprints but have also refused to emancipate themselves from client-state mentalities and governance by hashtag activism.

“Whatever our differences across the continent, one fact that can’t be eroded by our infighting is that we are in the age of machines.

“And we can’t fight our development dilemma with spears and arrows while the rest of the world is fighting the same battle with missiles and tanks. The world is not waiting for Africa to catch up,” Shettima stated.