– Presidency says LP chieftain’s rant is “beer parlour gossip” and “political desperation”
– Stanley Nkwocha defends VP Shettima, says he earned his office through merit, not gift
– Warns opposition figures: “Your frustration is just beginning”
The Presidency has responded strongly to comments made by Labour Party's vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Datti Baba-Ahmed, who recently suggested that Vice-President Kashim Shettima should be removed from office.
In a statement released on Friday, July 5, Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice-President), described Baba-Ahmed’s remarks as “beer parlour gossip” and “obsessive vituperation.”
Nkwocha’s reaction comes after Baba-Ahmed appeared on Arise TV, where he criticised the Tinubu administration and questioned Shettima’s continued stay in office. He also spoke on the need for a united opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Frustration is just beginning” – Presidency replies
Responding through Naija Blog, Nkwocha said Baba-Ahmed offered no clear reason or offence that warranted Shettima’s removal and accused him of speaking out of frustration.
“In the said interview, Baba-Ahmed expressed his frustrations on why the president had yet to remove the vice-president from office… Well, the bad news for him is that his frustration is just beginning,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed’s political past referenced
Nkwocha took a swipe at Baba-Ahmed’s political track record, recalling that his 2011 senatorial victory was overturned by the election tribunal, which declared former Kaduna governor Ahmed Makarfi as the rightful winner.
He alleged that Datti’s desperation for power has been consistent and said his past showed a willingness to gain office by any means.
“The real definition of political desperation and desire to capture power can only be situated in Datti’s political trajectory when the courts sent him packing from the Senate for rigging elections,” he said.
“He almost called for a coup” – Presidency fumes
Nkwocha also accused the Labour Party leader of making statements that “openly fell short of calling for a military coup” after Labour's loss in 2023. He warned that such utterances are dangerous and must not be ignored.
VP Shettima earned his position – Aide
Nkwocha went on to describe Vice-President Shettima as an “intellectual powerhouse” and a dependable ally to President Bola Tinubu.
“Shettima has never lost an election. He has served as a banker, commissioner, governor, senator, and now Vice-President — all earned, not gifted,” Nkwocha added.
He praised Shettima’s loyalty and ability to promote the administration’s policies at home and abroad with what he described as “unbridled conviction.”
“We won’t stay silent anymore” – Presidency warns
Nkwocha concluded by warning that the Office of the Vice-President would no longer ignore attacks from the opposition.
“The office of the vice-president will no longer ignore unfounded criticisms. Attacks like this would henceforth not go without a response from us,” he said.
