Vice President, Kashim Shettima has criticised opposition parties, accusing them of relying on misinformation and political hypocrisy.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at an interfaith Ramadan and Lent breaking of fast held at the State House, Shettima said the ruling All Progressives Congress is now in a stronger political position than it was during the 2023 general elections.
He particularly took aim at the African Democratic Congress over its advocacy for electronic transmission of votes, claiming the ADC party’s membership registration system exposed major credibility issues.
According to him, the ADC’s online portal for new members was allegedly flooded with fake names and fictitious identities shortly after it was opened.
“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 also accused opposition politicians of fueling political debates with false narratives, saying misinformation had become their primary strategy.
Quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, he 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 added.
Addressing political and religious leaders at the event, the Vice President urged members of the ruling party to stay united as the political season draws closer.
“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 also dismissed claims that governors defecting to the APC were under pressure, insisting their decisions were voluntary.
“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 stated.