Shettima: 2027 politics must be driven by maturity, tolerance

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged political leaders and Nigerians to approach the 2027 election season with maturity, tolerance and patriotism.

Shettima spoke on Wednesday after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Ramat Square Eid Ground in Maiduguri, Borno State, warning against divisive rhetoric capable of threatening national peace and stability.

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to reducing the economic pressures facing citizens through ongoing reforms and targeted interventions.

He also assured Nigerians that the federal and state governments were taking steps to ease the economic hardship facing citizens.

“Governments at all levels are poised to ameliorate the sufferings of the Nigerian people,” he said.

The vice president appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and continue supporting the administration as it works to stabilise the economy, improve security and create more opportunities for citizens.

“As we enter the political phase, there is a need for maturity, forbearance and generosity of spirit in our political interactions. We must avoid inflammatory statements and actions capable of overheating the polity because what binds us together as Nigerians supersedes whatever divides us,” he said.

Shettima also urged citizens to continue praying for peace and stability across the country.

He further cited tensions in the Middle East as another reason Nigerians should embrace unity and national solidarity.

Senator Shettima was joined at the Eid prayers by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; members of the National Assembly; and other senior government officials.

Shortly after the prayers, the Deputy Governor paid a traditional Sallah homage to the Vice President at his Maiduguri residence, where he commended VP Shettima for his continued support to the government and people of Borno State.

“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, we are here to felicitate with Your Excellency on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration,” Kadafur said.

The deputy governor also urged residents of the state and Nigerians generally to continue praying for lasting peace, unity and prosperity across the country.