Vice President Kashim Shettima has taken a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offered him political support and a platform to pursue his presidential ambition after his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Shettima made the remark on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna, where he recalled Atiku’s political relationship with Tinubu.
According to the Vice President, Atiku turned to Tinubu after facing political difficulties within the PDP, with the President allegedly providing the support and political platform that enabled him to contest for the presidency.
“When former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was harassed and chased out of PDP with tail between his legs, he ran to the Lion of Bourdillon,” Shettima said.
“He gave him political support and a platform to contest for the office of the presidency in 2027,” he added.
The comments formed part of Shettima’s political attack on Atiku as the APC intensified its campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
By invoking Tinubu’s popular political nickname, the “Lion of Bourdillon,” Shettima sought to portray the President as a political benefactor who had extended a helping hand to Atiku during a difficult period in his political journey.
The remarks also underscored the growing political rivalry between the ruling APC and opposition figures as preparations for the next presidential election gather momentum.
Atiku, a former vice president and perennial presidential contender, remains one of the prominent figures in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
The 2027 presidential contest is expected to generate intense political debate, with rival camps likely to revisit past alliances, political disagreements and relationships as they seek to win public support.
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